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

Helpful resources for Chattanooga

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Chattanooga

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Found chairs near Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga

I found four chairs this morning around 8:15 a.m., tucked behind a cafe's back alley near the Tivoli Theatre on Broad Street in downtown Chattanooga. They’re sturdy metal folding chairs, painted teal with a few chips and stickers peeling off. They were stacked neatly and still warm from a recent event, which makes me think someone’s group forgot them during setup. I pulled them out to take a closer look and decided to post them here in case the owners are nearby. They feel like they belong to a local community group or church that uses that space for gatherings, and I’d love to help reunite them with the right people.

near the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Broad Street 4 days ago

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Found rabbits near Tennessee Aquarium

I found two rabbits wandering near the Tennessee Aquarium around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, by the Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga. They seemed calm but a little lost, and I kept them safe as I looked for their home. The thought of a child waiting for them makes my heart ache, and I hope to reunite them with their family soon. If you recognize them, please reach out through the site.

near the Tennessee Aquarium, by the Walnut Street Bridge 5 days ago

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Found saxophones in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

I was walking my dog along Broad Street on Sunday afternoon around 3:45 p.m. when I spotted a padded saxophone case sitting near the Tivoli Theatre steps. Inside, two saxophones gleamed in brass, and a small label hinted they might belong to someone who plays in local bands. I carried them to the poster board by Market Street and left them there, hoping the owner recognizes the serial numbers and the dent on the bell. If these are yours, I’m glad to help reunite you with your gear.

Beside the Tivoli Theatre, Broad Street. 14 days ago

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Found carry-ons near Riverwalk, Chattanooga

Found carry-ons near the Riverwalk by the Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga this morning around 11:15 a.m. I was out for a stroll along the Tennessee River when I spotted two carry-ons sitting on a bench together, one black with a red luggage tag and the other gray with a blue ribbon. They look like they belong to someone traveling, and I can imagine the anxiety of realizing your bags are missing in a busy moment. I’m posting here to help reunite them with their owner.

near the Riverwalk by the Walnut Street Bridge 27 days ago

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Found: Breeds

I found someone else's item this afternoon near the Walnut Street Bridge by the Hunter Museum in Chattanooga. It is a small folder labeled simply 'Breeds' with a handful of dog-breed notes. I picked it up and have left it with the site so the owner can claim it. I am glad I could help, especially knowing how important these notes might be for someone.

Reward

near the Hunter Museum at the Walnut Street Bridge 2 months ago

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Found microwave behind the Chattanooga Choo Choo

Today, around 9:15 AM, I found a microwave sitting on a loading cart behind the Chattanooga Choo Choo near Broad Street. It looked recently used, with a few crumbs and a smudge of butter on the door. I carried it to the sidewalk and wiped it down, thinking surely someone is missing their kitchen helper. The moment felt oddly hopeful, like a small piece of someone’s home had wandered into the wrong corner of downtown and found a new moment of safety.

Behind the Chattanooga Choo Choo, near Broad St 3 months ago