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

Helpful resources for Hartford

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Hartford

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Found stainless steel mixing bowl set

I found a stainless steel mixing bowl set this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind the Hartford Public Library on Main Street. It’s a three-piece nested set with brushed steel and red silicone rims, about 4, 3, and 1.5 quarts in size. The bowls are in decent shape with a few light scratches and a faint coffee ring on the interior of the largest one. There’s a small engraving on the bottom that looks like 'A.K.'—if that helps identify the owner, I’d be happy to return them.

Hartford about 1 month ago

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Blue Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker with silicone case

I found a compact black Anker Soundcore portable Bluetooth speaker with a bright blue silicone case this afternoon around 3:15 pm outside the Hartford Stage on Church Street. It's about the size of a soda can and in good condition, except for a small dent on the top edge. There's a white USB-C cable tucked underneath and a tiny sticker on the bottom that says Sam. The blue case makes it easy to spot, and I figured someone might be missing it after a quick street performance near the stage. If you're the owner, we can arrange a meetup at the Hartford Stage box office or near Bushnell Park to return it.

Hartford 2 months ago

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Found neon blue dog harness with paw tag

I found this afternoon around 2:15pm a neon blue dog harness behind the Hartford Stage on Main Street, near Bushnell Park. It's a size S nylon harness from the 'Pawfect Fit' brand with a reflective lime-green stripe along the edges and a small paw-print charm hanging from the adjuster. The buckle has a tiny scratch, and the harness shows some wear but is still sturdy. If it's yours, drop a note and we can figure out pickup around Hartford near Bushnell Park.

Hartford 2 months ago

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Silver Yamaha flute in black case with initials A.J.

I found a silver Yamaha flute in a black hard case this afternoon around 4:30pm near the Hartford Public Library on Main Street, by the bus stop. It looks gently used and seems to play fine when I flicked a quick test note. There are initials 'A.J.' engraved on the lip plate, and a small dent on the footjoint with a few light scratches along the case. The lining is red felt, and there's a tiny sticker inside the lid with a practice mark. If you’re the owner, I’d really like to get it back to you.

Hartford 4 months ago

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Tan leather tote with brass fox zipper charm

I found a tan leather tote this afternoon around 3:00 PM in front of the Hartford Stage on State Street, near Bushnell Park. It's a medium-sized bag, roughly 12 inches wide by 10 inches tall, with a slightly worn edge and a distinctive brass fox-shaped zipper pull. Inside there's a bright blue scarf peeking from the inner pocket and the lining is a soft navy fabric. There's a small scratch on the bottom corner. If you're missing a tan leather tote with a brass fox zipper pull and a blue scarf, drop me a message here so we can arrange a time to return it.

Hartford 4 months ago

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Gold-tone chronograph watch with brown leather strap

I found a gold-tone chronograph watch with a brown leather strap this afternoon around 2:15 pm, sitting on the sidewalk near the Hartford Stage on State Street, just across from the Bushnell Park entrance. It's a Fossil brand with a black dial, three subdials, and a small scratch on the bezel near 9 o'clock. The leather strap shows light wear, but the watch is in decent shape. There's an engraved initials 'A.J.' on the inner back plate, which might help identify the owner. If this sounds like yours, please reach out — I would love to reunite it with you.

Hartford 5 months ago