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

found E

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 10 days ago

found D

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 28 days ago

found J

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 about 1 month ago

found N

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. 2 months ago

found A

Paperback novel found near Ithaca Commons; red maple bookmark

I found a paperback novel this afternoon around 3:15pm outside the Ithaca Commons on State Street, near the State Theatre. It's a teal-covered mass-market paperback, about 350 pages, with a bright red maple-leaf bookmark sticking out between chapters and a small coffee ring on the back. The inside front cover has a handwritten note that reads 'A. Chen.' It seems well loved, and if the owner sees this, I hope they know someone picked it up to help reunite it.

Ithaca 4 months ago

found A

Found green parakeet with yellow face in Ithaca

Found a small green parakeet this afternoon around 4:15pm outside the Ithaca Commons, by the fountain on State Street. It's about the size of a typical parakeet, with an olive-green body, a bright yellow face, and tiny blue cheek patches. There's a blue leg band on one leg with the number 21, and the bird seems healthy and curious but clearly someone’s pet. I know this is someone's bird, and I hope to reunite it with its owner soon.

Ithaca 5 months ago