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

Helpful resources for Frederick

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Frederick

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Found sheet music in Frederick

I found this sheet music tucked under a bench along Market Street near the Baker Park fountain around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3. A few pages were creased and there were pencil notes in the margins, like someone practicing for a recital. My heart did a little flip thinking about a student losing their work, and I tucked the bundle into my bag to keep it safe. If you recognize this collection of pieces or the handwriting on the top page, I hope you’ll see this listing and know it’s yours.

near the Baker Park fountain 2 days ago

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Found green budgie with blue-tipped tail

I found a small budgie this afternoon around 2:30pm near Carroll Creek Park behind the Frederick Visitor Center on East Street. It's a bright lime-green bird with blue-tipped wings and a white eye-ring, about 6 inches from beak to tail. It has a pale yellow chest and a sturdy, friendly chirp. It didn’t seem panicked, just curious, which makes me think it’s someone’s pet and not a stray. I’m keeping it safe in a breathable carrier in my car until we can reunite it with its owner.

Frederick about 2 months ago

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Found pitbull/terrier mix dog

We found this pitbull/terrier mix today April 27th on the monocacy river trail behind Rockwell Brewery. Took him to the vet and he is not chipped, I will keep him here safely for now and hope to hear from his owner. My step daughter found him around 12-1:00 pm today. My number is 410-610-5842, text me pls.

Frederick about 2 months ago

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White duvet cover with navy piping and monogram

I found a white duvet cover with navy piping and a small gray monogram 'A' on the corner this afternoon around 4:15pm. It was sitting on a bench near Baker Park by the pedestrian bridge on South Market Street in Frederick. It's a Queen size, cotton-poly blend with a sturdy hidden zipper closure. It's in decent shape, no stains, just a few wrinkles from being windy. If this belongs to you, please reach out—it's not mine, and I know the owner would be really glad to have it back.

Frederick 2 months ago

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Found dog: beagle mix with blue collar

Found a small beagle mix this afternoon around 3:50 pm wandering near Baker Park on West Patrick Street, Frederick. It's tan with a white chest and a black saddle, about 25 pounds, a little scruffy. He wears a bright blue nylon collar with a bone-shaped tag that reads 'Milo'—the name is still legible. I brought him to the Frederick Police Department non-emergency desk to scan for a microchip and posted him here in case someone is looking. I can only imagine the worry the owner must feel, and I really hope to help bring Milo home.

Frederick 2 months ago

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Tan leather handbag with red interior

Found a tan leather Coach tote this afternoon around 3:15 pm in the Baker Park area, near the West Patrick Street entrance. It's a medium-sized bag with a red interior lining and a small scuff on the bottom corner. Inside there’s a leather tag with the initials 'JL' and a pink scarf tied to the handle—easy to spot. Not mine, and I know how important this bag can be to someone; I’d love to get it back to its owner. If this sounds like yours, message me here so we can arrange a pickup near Market Street or at Baker Park in Frederick.

Frederick 2 months ago