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

Helpful resources for Ithaca

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Ithaca

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Found violins near Stewart Park, Ithaca.

This morning, around 11:15 a.m., I found a violin case left on a bench along the Cayuga Lake waterfront near Stewart Park, not far from the Ithaca Farmers Market. The lid was slightly scuffed and the bow rested under the neck as if someone set it down in a hurry. I felt a mix of curiosity and responsibility—an instrument like that carries someone's practice, memory, and a lot of hours. I knocked on a few nearby benches and called out, but no one claimed it. I am posting this because I want the owner to have it back where it belongs.

Stewart Park benches near Ithaca Farmers Market about 16 hours ago

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Found pocket watch in Ithaca, near the Commons.

I found a pocket watch on the floor near the Ithaca Commons at 2:45 p.m. this past Saturday. It's a small silver piece with a worn leather chain and a faint engraving on the back; it ticked away when I held it up to check. I asked around, but no one claimed it and the stream of students and visitors kept moving, so I tucked it into my jacket for safekeeping. I posted here because I know someone must be missing this heirloom, and I'd love to hear back from the owner if you recognize the timepiece and the engraving.

near Ithaca Commons 5 days ago

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USB drives found near Ithaca Commons.

At 4:15 PM last Friday, I found these USB drives on the stone bench outside the Ithaca Commons on Green Street, just by the entrance to the cafe. There are three drives tucked into a small black case, labels barely legible. I tucked them into my bag and kept watch nearby, thinking someone would realize they are missing after class. It gave me a sense of responsibility because these could be someone's memories or work, and I want to get them back to their owner.

Sentimental

Ithaca Commons, Green Street about 1 month ago

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Found Suits near Ithaca Commons

I was walking back from class and a street musician near the Ithaca Commons around 2:15 PM on Friday when I spotted a suit jacket and matching trousers in a garment bag left on a bench near the State Theatre on State Street. It looked new and untouched, so I picked it up and brought it here to help reunite it with its owner. The label inside reads 'Harris Formalwear'—someone clearly needs this for an upcoming event or interview. It’s a relief to see a well-kept suit find a second chance.

Sentimental

Outside the State Theatre on State St, Ithaca about 2 months ago

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FOUND: Felines

I spotted two cats on Meadow Street just outside the Ithaca Commons this afternoon around 3:10 PM, looking a bit muddy and wary after a light rain. They stuck together, a grey tabby with a pink collar and a calico with a small white patch on her chest—clearly someone’s lost pets. I brought them into my apartment for warmth, fed them some food, and have been keeping an eye on them while I post here. If these are yours, please connect through the site so we can arrange a safe handoff.

Meadow Street near Ithaca Commons 2 months ago

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Found travel visas in Ithaca

I found travel visas on a bench near the Ithaca Commons around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, the papers tucked in a backpack that someone had left behind. The folder was light, with official-looking stamps visible through the plastic. The situation of travel documents makes me uneasy; I know how nerve-wracking it can be to misplace them before a trip. I picked up the bundle and kept it safe, hoping to get it back to the owner through this site. The bench was by the main entrance to the Ithaca Commons, near the State Theatre on Green Street.

Sentimental

Ithaca Commons, near the State Theatre, Green Street. 3 months ago