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 utensils near Court Avenue, Des Moines.

I was strolling along the Des Moines Riverwalk near Court Avenue around 2:15 PM today when I spotted a neat set of stainless utensils tucked behind a planter by the water. I picked them up, brushed off a few leaves, and scanned for an owner, but no one appeared. The forks and knives looked recently used, and I’m sure they belong to someone who loves to cook after a long day. I’m posting this to help reunite them with their kitchen—hopefully the rightful owner sees this soon.

Court Avenue District, by the Riverwalk. 1 day ago

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Found Ford car keys on SE 5th St

Ford car keys found on SE 5th St

Des Moines 12 days ago

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found Postcards in Des Moines near Court Ave

I found a small stack of postcards on the Des Moines Riverwalk near Grand Avenue around 3:20 PM on Saturday. They looked weathered but the handwriting on the backs hinted at travels and moments with friends in this city. The colors were bright against the gray pavement, and I could feel the owner’s memories in each card. It wasn’t junk; it felt like someone’s pocket-sized photo album left behind for a moment. I’m hopeful they’ll be reunited with the person who meant to keep these bright little memories safe.

Near Court Ave pedestrian bridge 17 days ago

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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 27 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 about 1 month 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 2 months ago