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

Helpful resources for Jackson

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Jackson

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Found brooches near Capitol Street, Jackson

I was walking along Capitol Street in Jackson around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday when I spotted a small tin by the entrance of a cafe. Inside were several brooches—gold-tone with a pearl center and a couple of floral designs—tumbled together in a velvet pouch. I picked them up and brought them to the lost-and-found listing so they can be reunited with their owner in Jackson, Mississippi. If you’re missing a set of brooches, describe them here and we’ll see if we can match you.

outside the Mississippi State Capitol on Capitol Street 3 days ago

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Found violins in Jackson, MS

Tamara Brooks here. I found two violins in a soft black case behind the Jackson Convention Center parking lot this afternoon around 2:10 PM. One violin has a warm brown sunburst finish, the other is lighter with a few scuffs near the f-holes. The case is worn, with a dusty rosin packet tucked inside. I didn’t see anyone nearby, so I turned the instruments in and posted here in case the owner reads this. It felt good to help keep music from getting lost.

behind the Jackson Convention Center parking lot 5 days ago

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Found handheld and console in Jackson, MS

On Fortification Street by the Old Capitol Green around 8:20 PM last Tuesday, I spotted a backpack lying on the sidewalk. Inside were a handheld game console and a larger home console, plus a charging cable and a handful of game cartridges. The owner clearly valued their gear, and the backpack had a few stickers reminding me of a weekend trip to the museum. I picked it up and posted here, hoping the rightful owner sees this and recognizes their items.

Fortification Street by Old Capitol Green, Jackson, MS 14 days ago

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Found puppies near Jackson, Mississippi

I was walking along Capitol Street this afternoon when I found these puppies wandering together, probably five or six weeks old. It was around 3:00 p.m. near the Mississippi State Capitol lawn—both a little muddy and very friendly, wagging tails, no collar in sight. They’re small, short-haired, one black and white, the other tan. They seemed nervous but curious, and I kept them in a safe spot while I looked for their family nearby, hoping they weren’t stray for long. If these pups belong to someone, I’d love to see them go back home soon.

Capitol Street near the Mississippi State Capitol about 1 month ago

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Found paperback mystery with blue cover

I found a paperback mystery this afternoon around 3pm outside The Book Nook on Capitol Street in Jackson. It's a well-loved paperback, about 320 pages, with a bright blue cover and a creased spine. Inside, there's a library stamp on the first page that says 'Property of Jackson Public Library,' plus a receipt stub from Cafe Capitol tucked between pages 112. The title on the cover reads 'The Silent Shore' in white letters, and there's a small coffee stain near the back that looks like a tiny heart. It seems like it was really enjoyed by someone, and I hope to reunite it with its owner—if this is yours, swing by The Book Nook and mention this listing, or reply through the app.

Jackson 4 months ago

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Found missing teen: 15-year-old girl

I found a 15-year-old girl this afternoon around 3:15pm near the Jackson Public Library on Oak Avenue. She's wearing a red hoodie, black jeans, and a green backpack with a bright yellow star patch. She has shoulder-length dark hair and a small crescent-shaped birthmark on her left wrist. She looked scared and said she didn’t know where she was, so I stayed with her until the Jackson Police arrived and checked in with her. I really hope she can be reunited with her family soon—the whole thing has been stressful for everyone involved. If you recognize her, reply here or reach out to the Jackson Police.

Jackson 4 months ago