Found someone else’s holiday decorations
Description
On Monday night, around 7:40 p.m., I found a box of holiday decorations on the stoop of my Charleston apartment near Capitol Market. There were tangled garlands, a string of lights, and a snowflake ornament that rolled under the doormat. None of it looked mine, and a little wave of responsibility hit me—maybe a neighbor dropped it or someone mislaid a few keepsakes after a party. I tucked the box inside my entryway and kept an eye out for anyone posting about lost decorations, hoping they’ll see this and reclaim their things. It feels kind of hopeful, like a small thread tying someone to a memory of a family gathering.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.