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

Helpful resources for Chico

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Chico

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Found devices near Chico City Plaza

I found several devices left on a bench outside the Chico City Plaza around 4:20 p.m. yesterday, as the late afternoon light softened the storefronts. In a backpack were a blue laptop, a black tablet, and a white charger; a sticker on the laptop suggested a campus tie, perhaps a Chico State student. I kept everything untouched and brought it to the lost-and-found desk here at the site, hoping the owner sees this and claims it. The spot is right by the 4th Street crosswalk and the market tents, a busy but easily identifiable place.

Near Chico City Plaza on 4th Street 20 days ago

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Found carry-ons near CSU Chico campus

I found a set of carry-ons this morning outside California State University, Chico. It was around 9:15 a.m. by the campus bookstore and the main entrance off West 5th Street. They were tucked behind a bench beside a recycle bin, one bag still with a luggage tag showing a different name. I waited for a while near the campus security desk, but no one claimed them, so I brought them here. Losing luggage is stressful, especially when you’re trying to catch a bus or a flight. If this helps, the bags are black with a red zipper and smell faintly of sunscreen and pine from Bidwell Park.

Near the CSU Chico Bookstore, West 5th Street. about 2 months ago

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Found travel adapters in Chico, California.

On Saturday at 2:15 PM, I was walking along Main Street near the Chico Creek behind the Chico State campus when I spotted a small zippered pouch lying beside a bench outside the Chico Creekside Café. Inside, I found travel adapters in a matte-black case—the kind travelers use for Europe and Asia. It looked like someone had dropped them in a hurry, perhaps during a quick photo break. I picked them up, checked the surrounding area, and decided to post here in case the owner sees this. It always feels good to reunite misplaced gear with a wandering traveler.

Outside the Chico Creekside Café on Broadway. 3 months ago

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Found neon yellow keys with whale charm

Found a set of keys this morning around 7:50am outside the Starbucks on Main Street in Chico, right across from City Hall. They’re on a bright neon yellow silicone key cover, and there’s a small whale-shaped charm plus a blue plastic tag that reads 'MILO'. There are about five keys total, with a distinctive red paint dot on one head for quick ID. If these belong to you, I’m happy to arrange a quick handoff anywhere convenient in Chico—just message me in the app and we’ll coordinate near the cafe or the library.

Chico 3 months ago

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Found navy blue U.S. passport near Starbucks Broadway

This morning around 9:15 am I found a passport in the parking lot behind the Starbucks on Broadway in downtown Chico. It's a navy blue United States passport, the standard issue with the gold seal, and it's tucked inside a black leather sleeve that has a little wear along the edges. There's a faint coffee ring on the back cover and a small crease in the corner from being shuffled around in a tote. I kept it in a protective pouch for safekeeping, hoping to get it back to the rightful owner soon. If this is yours, message me here in the app with the country of issue and a detail only you would know about your passport to verify.

Chico 4 months ago

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Found iPad Pro 11-inch in Chico

I found a black iPad Pro 11-inch this afternoon behind the Chico Mall on Esplanade, near the food court entrance. It’s in a gray Apple Smart Folio case, and the lock screen shows a dog wallpaper. The tablet is in decent shape with no cracks, but there’s a small scratch along the bottom-right edge and a blue sticker with the initials 'MR' on the back of the case. If this is yours, message me with a distinguishing detail like the wallpaper or the sticker.

Chico 4 months ago