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

Helpful resources for Delaware

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Delaware

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Found drums in downtown Delaware, Delaware

I was walking along Main Street in downtown Delaware, Delaware, United States around 2:45 PM today when I spotted a drum kit sitting by a bench near City Hall. The kit looked recently abandoned, the snare gleaming in the sunlight, and a few sticks resting on the top. I checked for labels but found nothing obvious. It’s clearly someone’s, and it would be a relief to see its owner reunited with their instrument.

Main Street near City Hall 7 days ago

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FOUND photographs near Delaware Park

I was strolling along 11th Street near Delaware Park in Wilmington around 4:15 PM yesterday when I noticed a small stack of old photographs blowing along the curb. The pictures are faded with handwritten captions on the back, showing family gatherings and a boat day on the river. They feel like someone’s captured memories, not trash, so I tucked them into a plastic sleeve I carry and kept watch for a missed owner. It’s strange to hold someone else’s history, but I’d want the same. If these belong to you, you’ll recognize the outfits, the smiles, and the park backdrop. They’re here, waiting to be reunited.

Sentimental

Delaware Park area, near the 11th Street entrance 8 days ago

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Found guitar near Rodney Square, Delaware

I found a sunburst acoustic guitar leaning against a bench outside a small cafe near Rodney Square in downtown Delaware around 2:20 p.m. on Monday. The case is a bit scuffed, with a few stickers peeling—an anchor, a star, and a tiny peace sign. It feels well loved, and the leather strap smells faintly of coffee. I tucked it behind a bench and brought it to the security desk of the nearby building, hoping the owner will see this listing and recognize it. It isn’t mine, but it seemed to belong to someone who plays from the heart, and I’d want it returned to them too.

outside a café near Rodney Square 13 days ago

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Found shoes by Delaware Park, Market St

As I was walking my dog along Market Street this afternoon, around 4:25 p.m., I found a pair of shoes abandoned on a bench by Delaware Park. They're blue sneakers, size 9, with a white sole and a small scuff on the toe. The laces are slightly frayed, but they're otherwise in good condition. I picked them up and brought them to the Delaware Library front desk, hoping the owner would recognize them and claim them. I know how frustrating it is to misplace something so personal; I felt a bit of relief to do the right thing. If the owner sees this, please check with the library staff.

Delaware Park, Market Street entrance 17 days ago

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Found hand tools by Delaware Riverfront, Wilmington

Yesterday at 2:30 p.m., I found a small toolbox on a bench by the Wilmington Riverfront, near the big clock at Riverfront Park. Inside were several hand tools—hammer with a red handle, pliers, screwdrivers, and a tape measure. I gathered them up and kept them safe, hoping to reunite them with the owner who might be mid-project. If you’re missing tools, please check here and post through the site so we can arrange a pickup.

Sentimental

Near the Riverfront Park clock, Wilmington Riverfront about 1 month ago

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Found a set of radios

I was walking along Market Street in Wilmington around 4:15 p.m. last Saturday when I spotted a rugged black case tucked behind a bench near Independence Mall. Inside were two radios, one with a dented corner and a frayed cord. I picked everything up, brought them home, and have kept them safe on my shelf since, hoping they belong to someone who uses them for work. I’d love to see the owner reclaim them—if this sounds like your gear, check the model numbers and see if they ring a bell.

Sentimental

Market Street near Independence Mall, Wilmington about 1 month ago