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

Helpful resources for Central NJ

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Central NJ

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Found: Student ID near Rutgers Library

On Wednesday at 4:15 PM, I found a Student ID outside the Rutgers University Library on George Street in New Brunswick. The card was wedged between a bench and the wall, its blue cover catching the late-day light as a breeze fluttered the campus map tucked inside. I tucked it safely into my jacket pocket and stood there for a moment, thinking about how stressful it would be to lose something so important right before class. If you’re the owner, this listing exists to help you reclaim it through the site.

Outside Rutgers University Library, George Street 17 days ago

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Found Anker PowerCore 10000mAh power bank

I found a compact Anker PowerCore 10000mAh power bank this afternoon around 2:15pm. It’s black with a matte finish and a small blue sticker near the Anker logo, plus a tiny dent on the top edge. There’s also a red silicone sleeve with the initials 'AM' written on it, which is a pretty unique detail. It looked like it was in good working condition, just a bit dusty from being in the car’s cup holder. If you’re missing it, message me a distinguishing detail about the device so I can confirm and arrange pickup in the Princeton Shopping Center parking lot behind Barnes & Noble on Route 1.

Central NJ 29 days ago

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Bearded dragon in glass terrarium found near MarketFair

I found a bearded dragon this afternoon around 2:45pm near MarketFair on Route 1 in Princeton, Central NJ. It was wandering behind the Barnes & Noble parking area, dragging a small 20-gallon glass terrarium with a tan lid. The dragon is about 9 inches long, sandy tan with a bright orange beard that flares when it’s curious. It looked healthy, eyes clear, but a bit dusty from being outside. There’s a faint crescent-shaped scar on the snout and a blue water dish tucked in the tank. If this is your reptile, please get in touch to verify details and arrange pickup.

Central NJ 7 months ago

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Found wooden dining table with six matching chairs at a park in Central New Jersey.

I found a beautiful wooden dining table with six matching chairs at a park in Central NJ last weekend. It looks like it may have been left behind during a picnic or gathering. The table has some light scratches but overall it's in great condition. If anyone is missing this lovely set, please reach out to me!

Park, Central New Jersey, USA 8 months ago

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Found a dusty vintage 1960s hardback cookbook with handwritten notes and old family photos in Central NJ.

I found a dusty, vintage cookbook while cleaning out the attic of my home in Central NJ. It's a hardback, published in the 1960s, with some handwritten notes in the margins and a few old family photos tucked between the pages. If anyone is missing this sentimental item, please reach out!

Central New Jersey, NJ, USA 12 months ago