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

Helpful resources for Detroit Metro

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Detroit Metro

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Found USB drives near Detroit Metro Airport

I was walking near the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport around 9:15 am today when I spotted two USB drives lying on the curb by the baggage claim. One has a red cap and the other a black cap, and both looked recently used. One is labeled Project Aurora and the other Family Photos 2023 in neat handwriting. I picked them up and turned them in to the lost and found, hoping the owner sees this post and can reclaim them.

near the baggage claim, McNamara Terminal, Detroit Metro 27 days ago

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Gray tabby cat found near Campus Martius Park

I found a gray tabby cat this afternoon around 3:15 p.m. near Campus Martius Park, along Woodward Ave by the old Book Cadillac building. It’s a medium-sized cat, about 9 pounds, with a white heart-shaped patch on the chest and a slightly crooked left ear. The cat is wearing a blue collar with a tiny silver bell that jingles when it moves. It was a bit skittish at first, but warmed up once I spoke softly and offered a little tuna. I didn’t see any ID on the collar, and I’ve kept him safe in a quiet corner nearby while I try to reach the owner. If this is your cat, DM me with distinguishing marks to confirm it’s yours.

Detroit Metro 2 months ago

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Michael Kors black handbag with gold hardware

I found a Michael Kors black handbag with gold hardware this afternoon around 2:45pm near Campus Martius Park on Woodward Ave in downtown Detroit. It's a medium-sized pebble leather bag, in good shape with a small scuff on the bottom corner. Inside the burgundy lining are a pink silk scarf and a leather key fob engraved with EM. The bag has a detachable strap and a front zip pocket with a slightly worn pull. I’d love to get it back to the owner who recognizes these details. If this sounds like yours, email me at [email protected] with a description of its contents or the initials on the tag.

Detroit Metro 2 months ago

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Blue canvas backpack with red accents found downtown Detroit

Found a blue canvas backpack with red accents this afternoon around 3:15 pm near the Renaissance Center along Jefferson Ave in downtown Detroit. It's a mid-sized bag, about 18 inches tall, with a few scuffs and a bright orange zipper pull that sticks a little. Inside there’s a spiral notebook, a water bottle, and a green enamel pin shaped like a rocket attached to the inner pocket. One identifying feature is a Detroit Pride sticker on the inside flap. I’d love to reunite it with its owner—if this is yours, I’m happy to coordinate a pickup near Campus Martius or at a nearby transit hub in the Detroit Metro area.

Detroit Metro 3 months ago

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Gold-tone bracelet with heart charm and initials

I found a gold-tone bracelet this afternoon around 4:15pm near the Fox Theatre on Grand Circus Park in Detroit Metro. It's about 7 inches long, with a delicate curb chain and a tiny silver heart charm that sways when you move it. The clasp is stamped 'S.R.' and there's a small blue enamel bead near the heart. The bracelet looks worn but in good condition aside from a few light scratches from daily wear. It seems sentimental, and I'd love to help reunite it with its owner—if this is yours or you know who it belongs to, please reach out.

Detroit Metro 3 months ago

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Gray tabby cat with white paws found near Fox Theatre

I found a medium-sized gray tabby this afternoon around 4:15pm in the Detroit Metro area, near the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit. It has white paws and a blue collar with a tiny silver bell. I spotted him in the parking lot behind the theatre, just south of Grand Circus Park on Woodward Ave. He’s calm and curious, purring when I spoke to him, and he has a distinctive notch in his left ear and a slightly crooked tail—little features that could help his owner recognize him. If this is your cat, reply here so we can figure out a time to reunite him with his family.

Detroit Metro 3 months ago