Lost Avians in Des Moines, need help finding them
Description
I was packing up after a long day and stepped outside onto Grand Avenue around 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, when I realized my Avians were gone from the window sill by my desk. Avians is the name I gave to a small collection of five ceramic bird figurines—the glaze runs from pale blue to moss green, each with a tiny wire tail. They’ve been a comfort since college, especially because one bird was a keepsake from my grandmother who lived here in Des Moines. I retraced every step: the Riverwalk along the Des Moines River, the East Village cafe on 3rd Street, and back to my apartment. Losing them hit hard, like losing a piece of home. If anyone found them, they belong on my shelf back where they belong.
Approximate last-seen location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.