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

Helpful resources for Des Moines

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Des Moines

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Found sheet music in Des Moines

I was wandering along the Des Moines Riverfront near Court Avenue around 6:45 PM and found a folder of sheet music resting on a bench outside the downtown library. It’s a mix of piano and guitar pieces, some faded with age, a little torn in places but still legible. It felt like a moment of connection with a local musician who left their practice behind for a while. I’m hoping the owner spots this and can reclaim their music through the site.

Near the Des Moines Public Library, Court Avenue 7 days ago

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Found holiday decorations in Des Moines.

I was walking along Grand Avenue near the State Capitol when I spotted a bundle of holiday decorations sitting by the curb. There were red and gold ornaments, a string of fairy lights, and a small 'Happy Holidays' banner tucked in a tote. It looked like someone dropped them in the morning rush, and they deserve a better home than the street. I picked them up and kept them aside in case the owner returns here on the site.

near the State Capitol building 20 days ago

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Big man's ring with etching

Big man's ring with etching. Found in a neighborhood near Merle Hay & Franklin.

Des Moines about 2 months ago

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Black leather handbag with pink tassel

Found a black leather handbag this afternoon around 4:15 pm along Grand Avenue near the Des Moines Central Library. It’s in decent shape with gold-tone hardware and a bright pink tassel on the zipper. The bottom left corner has a tiny dent and the strap shows a bit of wear, but the bag otherwise looks intact. Inside, the gray fabric lining holds a small lipstick and a faded receipt, nothing else obviously identifying. If this is yours, DM me with the initials on the inside tag or the lipstick brand to confirm; I’d be glad to get it back to you and can meet somewhere convenient in downtown Des Moines.

Des Moines 6 months ago

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Gray Nike sneakers, size 9, neon accents

I found a pair of gray Nike running sneakers this morning around 10:15am on Court Avenue in Des Moines, outside the East Village by the riverfront bike racks. They’re gray mesh with a neon lime heel tab and a slightly scuffed white sole. The right shoe has a bright blue lace threaded through, while the left is the standard gray. Inside the insole there’s a tiny handwritten 'A.J.' with a little heart. If these are yours, I’m happy to help you reconnect.

Des Moines 6 months ago

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Found black leather briefcase with name tag 'John Smith' near downtown library in Des Moines.

I found a black leather briefcase on the sidewalk close to the downtown library in Des Moines yesterday afternoon. It looks like it belongs to a businessman, as it has a name tag inside that says 'John Smith'. The briefcase is in great condition with a few unique stickers on the front. I hope to return it to its owner, so if you're missing it, please get in touch with me!

Downtown Library, Des Moines, IA, United States 8 months ago