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 Catskills? 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 Catskills; 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 Catskills with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Catskills

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Catskills

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Found: Travel Visas in the Catskills

Earlier today, around 2:30 p.m., I was hiking along the North-South Lake trail in the Catskills when I spotted a folder lying on a rock near the trailhead. It contained Travel Visas for several countries and a few official papers, all neatly organized. I picked it up and kept it safe, thinking the owner would need it back soon. The cover has handwriting in blue ink and a light-blue elastic strap, easy to recognize. I hope the rightful owner can reclaim these important documents and that they’re back with their person soon.

Sentimental

near the North-South Lake trailhead, Catskills about 13 hours ago

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Found radios near the trailhead, Catskills.

I found a pair of radios tucked behind a rock near the Elm Street trailhead in Catskills. I was hiking the 9W trail last Sunday around 3:20 p.m. when I spotted them; they look used but functional, with a battered black case and dusty dials that remind me of old camping trips. I checked nearby for a name tag or charger, but there was nothing obvious, so I brought them to a safe spot and decided to post this find. It feels good to return something that might mean a lot to someone.

Elm Street trailhead, near the old railroad bridge, Catskills 27 days ago

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Blue Osprey hiking backpack found near Windham Mountain

I found a blue Osprey hiking backpack this afternoon around 3:30pm in the Windham Mountain Resort parking area off Route 23 in Windham, Catskills. It's a 22-liter pack with a black bottom and neon-yellow zipper pulls. Inside, there's a laminated name tag reading 'Alex Rivera' and a bright red carabiner clipped to the front strap. The front pocket has a faded mountain sticker, and a yellow Nalgene bottle peeks out from a side mesh pocket. There's a small tear on the left shoulder strap from a fall, but otherwise it's in decent condition. If the owner sees this, get in touch.

Catskills 2 months ago

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Found tri-color guinea pig with blue ribbon

I found a small mammal this afternoon around 4:15pm. It's a tri-color guinea pig with a white blaze on the nose, soft tan and white fur, and a tiny blue ribbon tied around its neck. It was calmly sitting near the curb by the Phoenicia Diner on Main Street in Phoenicia, Catskills, watching foot traffic. It's in good condition, no injuries, and it seems used to people - it even steps closer when I offer a treat. The ribbon is a distinctive feature, and there's a faint white patch on its left shoulder that I'll describe to help reunite it with its owner. I'm happy to help return it to the right person.

Catskills 2 months ago

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Navy blue North Face parka found near Phoenicia Diner

I found a navy blue North Face parka, size L, this afternoon around 4:15 pm in the parking lot behind the Phoenicia Diner on Route 28, here in the Catskills. It's in good shape with just a bit of dust from the rain and a lightly worn zipper. The hood has a faux-fur trim and there's an eye-catching orange zipper pull. Inside the left chest pocket is a small pine-cone keychain clipped to the inner lining, and the brand tag is clearly visible. If this coat belongs to someone, I'd really like to help reunite you with it; you can drop me a note here and we can arrange a pickup near the diner.

Catskills 3 months ago

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Olive-green Patagonia parka, size L, orange zipper pull

I found this olive-green Patagonia parka this afternoon near the Phoenicia Diner on Main Street in Phoenicia, Catskills. It's a size Large, down-filled, with an orange zipper pull and a small blue bear embroidered on the inner lining. The coat is in good condition, a bit muddy at the hem from a hike on the nearby Overlook Mountain trail, and the tag is still attached. Inside the left pocket there's a handwritten note with the initials 'A.R.'—maybe a clue to the owner. If this belongs to you, please reach out and we can meet around the library or at the diner to get it back where it belongs.

Catskills 3 months ago