Found an item? Your responsibilities

What to do when you find someone else's property — your responsibilities and how to return it safely.

Found something in Cape Cod / Islands? Handling it responsibly protects both you and the owner. Rules vary by location, but the principles are consistent.

Make a reasonable effort to find the owner. Check for ID, contact details, or anything that identifies who it belongs to.
Don't assume it's yours to keep. Keeping found property without trying to return it can have legal consequences. When in doubt, hand it in.
Hand valuables to the authorities. Report significant or high-value finds to the police non-emergency line for Cape Cod / Islands; they'll log it and may issue a reference.
Store it safely. Keep the item secure and unchanged while you try to return it.
Post a found listing. Add a found-item listing for Cape Cod / Islands with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Cape Cod / Islands

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Cape Cod / Islands

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Navy knit scarf found near Hyannis Cape Cod Mall

I found this navy knit scarf this afternoon around 2:15pm in the Cape Cod Mall parking lot off Route 132 in Hyannis. It's about 60 inches long, soft with a little pilling from wear, and in good condition overall. There’s a small pinecone pin near the fringe on the left edge and faint initials 'MV' stitched on the care label. I figured someone might be missing it and would hate for it to drift away. If you recognize it, share the pin detail and initials and where you last wore it so we can reunite it.

Cape Cod / Islands 2 months ago

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Blue Jansport backpack with red star patch

I found a blue Jansport backpack this afternoon around 2:15pm near the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole, Cape Cod. It’s a standard-size backpack in decent condition, fade-blue fabric with a bright red star patch on the front pocket and a small coffee stain on the bottom corner. Inside there are a spiral notebook, a stainless steel water bottle, and a pair of yellow wired headphones tucked in the main compartment. The zippers work but the fabric at the lower edge is a bit worn from rain. If this belongs to you, I’m hoping to reunite you with it—photos or a description of the notebook’s pages would help verify.

Cape Cod / Islands 3 months ago

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Emerald green beaded gown found near Hyannis

I found a floor-length emerald green gown with gold beading along the neckline, folded on a chair in the parking lot behind the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis last Friday around 6:15 pm. It's a women's size M, with a satin ribbon belt and a tiny seashell charm pinned to the zipper pull. Inside, the tag says 'Lina's Bridal, size M' and there's a small monogram 'A.R.' on the lining. The fabric looks pristine, just a bit wrinkled from being carried. This seems like something special, and I’m hoping to help the owner get it back before their event. If this matches yours, message me with distinguishing details.

Cape Cod / Islands 5 months ago

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Found stylish black leather handbag with a small silver charm near Hyannis Harbor.

I found a stylish black leather handbag on the bench near Hyannis Harbor while enjoying a walk. It looks like it belongs to someone who cares about their belongings, as it's in great condition. There's a small silver charm hanging from the zipper which might have additional sentimental value. Please contact me if this is yours!

Hyannis Harbor, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States 8 months ago

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Found a silver pendant necklace with a blue gemstone on the beach by rocks at low tide in Cape Cod.

I found a beautiful silver pendant necklace with a blue gemstone while walking on the beach in Cape Cod. It was near a few rocks at low tide. If this sounds like your necklace, please describe the stone better or provide details about where you may have lost it!

Beach near rocky area, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA 10 months ago

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Found large red canvas tote bag full of beach towels and a water bottle at Nauset Beach.

I found a large red canvas tote bag on Nauset Beach in Cape Cod this past weekend. It was full of beach towels and a water bottle. I didn’t see anyone around, but if it belongs to you, please describe the bag to claim it!

Nauset Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA 10 months ago