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

Helpful resources for Chautauqua

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Chautauqua

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Found postcards near Chautauqua Institution

Hi, I’m Grace Bennett. This afternoon around 2:15 PM, I found a bundle of postcards on the ground near the Amphitheater at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY. The cards look travel-worn, stamps faded, with a few handwritten notes peeking out. I gathered them up and kept them safe in my bag, hoping the owner will recognize them and reclaim them through the institution’s channels. If these belong to you, they carry stories from far-off places and small personal messages that deserve to find a home again.

Near the Amphitheater, Chautauqua Institution 22 days ago

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Found DVDs near the Chautauqua Institution

Last night I found a stack of DVDs on a bench by the West Gate of the Chautauqua Institution around 6:15 p.m. The cases were a little damp from the misty air, with a few stickers peeling but the titles visible. I figured they belong to someone here for an evening film night, so I carried them to the central gathering spot in case the owner checks this listing. I felt a warm sense of relief thinking about reuniting them with the person who saved those movie memories.

Sentimental

West Gate, Chautauqua Institution 25 days ago

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Found keys with blue enamel wolf keychain

Found a set of keys this morning around 9:40am near the steps of the Chautauqua County Public Library on Oak Avenue in Chautauqua. There's a blue enamel wolf keychain attached to a mix of house keys and a black car key, and one key has a small dent with a red fish-shaped key fob tucked beside it. I think they were dropped last night after the farmers market when people were leaving the Main Street area. If these belong to you, send me a message and we can work out a pickup time; I’d be happy to get them back to the owner as soon as possible.

Chautauqua 29 days ago

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Red knit scarf with black sheep patch

I found a red knit scarf this afternoon around 4:15pm behind the Chautauqua Public Library on Main Street. It's a soft acrylic scarf, about 60 inches long, with a small black sheep patch stitched near the edge and a loose beige tassel on one end. The scarf is in good condition, just a few light snags from the weather. If you're missing it, email me at [email protected] with the patch size and the scarf length so we can confirm it's yours.

Chautauqua about 1 month ago

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Found beagle mix dog with navy collar

I found a beagle mix dog yesterday around 3pm wandering near the Chautauqua Library on Main Street, just past the coffee shop. She's a medium-sized beagle, about 25 pounds, with a tri-color coat—white chest, brown patches, and a black saddle—and a nervous wag when I spoke to her. She’s wearing a navy blue nylon collar with a small heart-shaped tag that reads 'Ella' and a tiny white star on her chest. There’s a slight limp in her right hind leg, which may help identify her. I brought her to the shelter on Park Street here in Chautauqua to help get her home. If anyone recognizes her, describe the tag name or the distinctive features to tell her apart.

Chautauqua about 2 months ago

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Found solar string lights, multicolor yard decor

I found a string of solar-powered LED fairy lights this afternoon around 3pm near the lakefront gazebo behind the Chautauqua Public Library on Main Street. They're about 20 feet long, multicolor bulbs on a clear wire, with a white solar panel and a few scuffs on the cord. One bulb glows amber while the rest stay white, and there's a small red heart sticker on the controller that I thought would help you spot them fast. I left them tucked behind the bench by the gazebo in case the owner returns.

Chautauqua 2 months ago