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

Helpful resources for Hattiesburg

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Hattiesburg

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Found Belts near Saenger Theatre

Hey, I’m Avery Johnson. Around 9:00 p.m. today I found Belts on the sidewalk outside the Saenger Theatre, downtown Hattiesburg. The belts are two different styles—one brown leather with a brass buckle and a worn black fabric belt—so I kept them together in a small tote by my apartment. I know someone out there is missing them after a night out, so I hope the owner recognizes this post and claims them here. I’ll make sure they stay safe and undamaged until they’re reunited.

Outside the Saenger Theatre, downtown Hattiesburg 1 day ago

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Found drones in Hattiesburg, MS

Last Friday around 7:15 PM, I found two drones behind the University of Southern Mississippi campus, near the parking lot off Hardy Street. They were in a black carry case with a spare propeller tucked beside the controllers, the screens catching the streetlights. The air smelled of rain-soaked grass from the late evening, and distant traffic hummed along US-49. I am posting here in case the owners recognize them and can reclaim them through the site.

behind the USM campus on Hardy Street 11 days ago

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Found sheet music near downtown Hattiesburg

I found a folder of sheet music tucked under a bench on Main Street in downtown Hattiesburg around 5:30 p.m. yesterday, near the library steps. The pages are well-worn, some notes smudged with practice, and the handwriting on the first page looks rushed but familiar. It felt like stumbling onto a small piece of someone's daily life - practice, patience, and a few quiet hours spent chasing a melody. I'm keeping it safe here for now, hoping the rightful owner sees this and will recognize their music soon.

Sentimental

Near the Saenger Theatre on Main Street, downtown Hattiesburg 11 days ago

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Silver Yamaha flute with engraved initials

I found a silver Yamaha flute this afternoon around 4:15 pm behind the USM Student Union, near Cook Library on campus in Hattiesburg. It’s in a black hard case with a bright blue cleaning rod tucked inside; the headjoint has small initials 'AK' engraved near the lip, and there’s a tiny dent on the foot joint. The flute shows light scratches but otherwise seems well cared for, and I know how important a flute can be for a student’s practice—really hoping to get it back to its owner. If you're missing a wind instrument in Hattiesburg, drop me a note at [email protected].

Hattiesburg about 2 months ago

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Black 24-inch Samsonite suitcase with red strap

I found a black 24-inch Samsonite suitcase this afternoon around 2:15 pm behind the JCPenney entrance at The Mall at Turtle Creek in Hattiesburg. It's a hard-shell model with a few scuffs on the corners and a bright red strap looped around the handle that makes it hard to miss. There's a blue TSA-approved lock and a small green luggage tag bearing the name 'Aiden' written in sharpie on the inner pocket. Inside, there's a spare packing cube and a folded travel guide, which makes me think someone was just passing through town—if you recognize these details, let me know and we can arrange a meetup to return it.

Hattiesburg 2 months ago

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Leopard gecko found near Hattiesburg Public Library

I found a leopard gecko this afternoon around 3:30pm outside the Hattiesburg Public Library on Main Street. It's about 6 inches long from snout to tail, sandy tan with irregular dark brown spots and a bright orange tail. There's a small white patch on the back near the left shoulder, and the tail looks a little ragged from shedding. It stayed calm in my hands, so I tucked it into a small plastic container with air holes. I know how upsetting it would be to lose a pet like this, so I'm hoping to reunite it with its person soon. If anyone recognizes it, please message me through the app and we'll arrange a safe handoff.

Hattiesburg 2 months ago