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 tank accessories in Detroit Metro area.

I was cleaning the parking lot behind a hardware store on Gratiot Avenue, near Eastland Center, around 3:15 pm on Tuesday when a tote of aquarium gear spilled from a cart — a filter, a heater, spare tubing and a thermometer. I picked up the pieces, fastened everything back in, and noticed there were no contact details. It seems like someone was in the middle of tending a tank and had to dash, leaving these Tank Accessories behind. I’m posting here in the hopes the owner checks this listing. The items were found near Gratiot Ave and Eastland Center.

Behind the hardware store on Gratiot Ave, near Eastland Center 4 days ago

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found: sheet music in Detroit Metro

Today at 11:30 AM I was outside the Detroit Public Library on Woodward Ave, near the Renaissance Center, when I spotted a folder of sheet music lying on a bench. The pages were worn with pencil markings and some concert labels, clearly used by a practicing musician or student. I tucked them into my bag to keep them safe, hoping the owner returns soon. I know how important those pieces can be for a recital, and I’d be glad to help get them back to the musician who needs them.

Woodward Ave near Renaissance Center, Detroit Public Library, Detroit Metro 11 days ago

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Found travel adapters at Detroit Metro

Yesterday around 3:15 p.m., I spotted a small bundle of travel adapters on the floor near Terminal A's escalator at Detroit Metro. There were two adapters, one USB-C with a blue strap and another USB-A that looked well-used. I picked them up and tucked them into a pouch, hoping the owner would see this post and claim them. It feels good to help a traveler reunite with their gear when the trip is already stressful.

by the arrivals hall, Detroit Metro 13 days ago

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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 3 months 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 4 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 4 months ago