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

Helpful resources for East Oregon

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in East Oregon

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Found blue Nike running shorts near Riverside Park, East Oregon

I found a pair of blue Nike running shorts this afternoon around 3:15pm behind the East Oregon Community Gym, near Riverside Park along Willow Street. They're men's size M, cobalt blue with white piping and a small Nike swoosh on the left leg. They're in good condition overall, with a little wear on the waistband and a tiny orange paint streak along the right hem, plus a small snag on the inner waistband seam. I know how important this gear is for practice, and I'd love to reunite them with their owner. If this sounds like yours, we can meet near the park entrance to hand them off.

East Oregon about 1 month ago

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Blue Anker wireless earbuds in charging case

Found a blue Anker Soundcore wireless earbuds set in a black charging case this afternoon around 2:45pm behind the East Oregon Public Library on Main Street near the bike racks. The case has a few minor scratches, and there's a small star sticker with the initials KM on the lid; the left earbud shell has a tiny dent. They pair fine and hold a charge, and the blue color is bright but not flashy. I know how easy these are to misplace in East Oregon's busy spots, so I'm hoping to reconnect them with the owner who uses them daily.

East Oregon about 1 month ago

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Found watch with blue strap near East Oregon Public Library

I found this watch this afternoon around 2:15pm behind the East Oregon Public Library on Oak Avenue. It's a Citizen Eco-Drive with a black dial and a faded blue fabric strap, about a 40mm case, stainless steel, with a small scratch near the 3 o'clock marker. The back is engraved with the initials 'S.L.' which is a nice clue. It still ticks and the date function works. I figured someone might be missing something sentimental, and I'd love to get it back to its owner. If you recognize it, drop me a line with the brand/engraving and roughly when you last wore it, and we’ll arrange a meetup.

East Oregon 2 months ago

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Found gray dwarf hamster with red harness

I found a tiny gray dwarf hamster this afternoon around 3:20pm near East Oregon Community Market on Willow Street, right by the river trail entrance. It’s wearing a bright red harness with a tiny blue bell and has a small white patch on its chest. The little guy is curious and a bit skittish, but he stuck close to me while I checked for a tag or any owner info. If this is your pet, please reach out so I can help reunite you two as soon as possible.

East Oregon 2 months ago

found A

Black North Face backpack with orange zippers

Found a black North Face backpack this morning around 9:15am in front of the East Oregon University Library on Cedar Street. It's about a 20-liter pack, with bright orange zipper pulls, a coffee stain on the bottom corner, and a small blue whale keychain clipped to the zipper. Inside, there's a spiral notebook, a reusable water bottle, and a USB-C charger sticking out of the main pocket. A subtle embossed label on the front reads 'East Oregon Runner's Club'—pretty distinctive. I'll hand it over to the Lost & Found and hope the owner reaches out; if this sounds like yours, send a message and describe a couple of identifying details.

East Oregon 3 months ago

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Tan leather messenger bag with initials tag

I found a tan leather messenger bag this afternoon around 3:45pm behind the East Oregon Public Library on Oak Street near the bike racks. It's a medium-sized bag with a worn brown strap, a green fabric lining, and a small metal tag on the front that reads 'M.A.' Inside there's a weathered notebook with the name 'María Alvarez' and a faded photo of a family. I figured someone must be missing it, and I'm hoping to reunite it with its owner. If this sounds like yours, email me at [email protected] so we can get it back to you.

East Oregon 5 months ago