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

Helpful resources for Jersey Shore

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Jersey Shore

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FOUND: Pins near Jersey Shore boardwalk

I was walking along the Seaside Heights boardwalk at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday when a small pile of pins lay gleaming in the damp sand beside the carousel. They looked like little keepsakes—one gold lapel pin and several enamel pins in bright colors, all a bit scratched from the sun. I picked them up and tucked them into a plastic bag, hoping to reunite them with their owner. I’m posting this now because I know how much something like this can mean to someone, and I’d feel good about doing the right thing.

near the Seaside Heights boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 2 days ago

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Found hats along Jersey Shore boardwalk

I found these hats along the Seaside Heights boardwalk near the Fisherman’s Pier around 2:40 p.m. on Saturday. There’s a navy baseball cap with a faded college logo, a pink sunhat, and a striped bucket hat—three different stories in one small pile. I picked them up and waited by the railing, hoping the owner might notice them if someone looked there later. It felt good to do the right thing, and I’m keeping them safe until they’re reunited with whoever lost them.

Seaside Heights boardwalk, near the Fisherman’s Pier. 9 days ago

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FOUND: Holiday decorations near Seaside Heights boardwalk

I was strolling along the Seaside Heights boardwalk last Friday around 7:15 p.m. when I spotted a bright bundle behind a bench near the Fisherman’s Pier. It turned out to be a mid‑sized tote of holiday decorations: a pine garland with red berries, a string of warm‑white lights, and a handful of glittery ornaments still in their plastic pouch. The wind had whipped them from a doorway display, I think, and the lights flickered in the glow of neon arcade signs. The sea air smelled faintly of salt and pretzels, and gulls cried overhead as the boardwalk music drifted from the nearby shops. It felt like someone’s small piece of home got left behind in the chaos of a busy night; I tucked them aside, hoping the rightful owner would see this post and claim them soon.

near the Seaside Heights boardwalk arcade, by Fisherman's Pier 26 days ago

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Gold ring with heart engraving found near Seaside Boardwalk

Found a gold ring this afternoon around 2:15pm on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, near the Casino Pier entrance. It's a 14k yellow gold band, size about 6, with a small heart engraving on the outside and two tiny diamonds on the sides. There are a few light scratches from wear, but it still catches the sun nicely. I found it near the bench by the east entrance to the boardwalk, right where everyone passes by. I'd love to help return it to its owner—if this sounds like yours, drop me a message and we can sort it out.

Jersey Shore 28 days ago

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DeWalt 20V drill in yellow case

Found this DeWalt 20V cordless drill in a sturdy yellow case this afternoon around 3:15pm near the boardwalk behind Tony's Pizza on Ocean Avenue in Jersey Shore. The drill is in good working condition, with a slightly scuffed grip and a few drill bits tucked inside the case. The case has a small sticker with the initials 'JA' on it and a blue tape mark on the battery strap, which might help identify the owner. It looks recently used and seems reliable. If this sounds like yours, please reach out and I'll hold onto it for you.

Jersey Shore 2 months ago

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Blue Samsonite rolling suitcase with red tag

I found a blue Samsonite rolling suitcase this afternoon around 4:15pm. It’s a 24-inch hard-shell case with a few scuffs on the lower corner but the wheels still roll smoothly. There’s a bright red fabric luggage tag stamped with the initials 'M.J.' and a small yellow sticker from a local surf shop on the lid. I pulled it up beside the Asbury Park boardwalk entrance at Ocean Avenue and Grand Street in Jersey Shore, right near the seating by Convention Hall. The zippers all work and the inside still smells faintly of sunscreen. I know how stressful losing luggage can be, so I’d love to reunite the owner with this before the weekend crowds arrive.

Jersey Shore 2 months ago