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

Helpful resources for Kansas City

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Kansas City

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Found holiday decorations in Kansas City

While strolling near Union Station in downtown Kansas City this afternoon, I found a box of holiday decorations abandoned on a bench around 2:30 p.m. It’s a jumble of garlands, a string of lights, red ribbons, and a tiny lantern. I picked it up, thinking someone must be frantically searching for it, and I tucked it under my arm for safekeeping. It felt good to help someone out, even if I don’t know who it belongs to yet.

Near Union Station, Downtown KC 6 days ago

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Found hand tools near Union Station

I was tidying up the garage near Westport when I spotted a metal toolbox tucked behind a paint shelf. Around 4:30 pm Friday, I found it by Union Station in Kansas City, with a handful of hand tools spilled onto the concrete. Inside was a claw hammer, a yellow tape measure, and several screwdrivers with red handles, a bit dusty and well-used. It looked like someone had hurried off and left them behind. I’ve kept the toolbox safe here and will hold onto it until the owner names it. If this sounds like yours, please confirm through the site.

near Union Station 17 days ago

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Found Belts in Kansas City, MO

Today around 9:07 a.m., I found a belt behind a vendor stall in the City Market area of downtown Kansas City. It’s a brown leather belt with a brass buckle, a bit worn but still sturdy. I pictured the owner rushing between the bakery stalls and the fountain, searching for something they’ve misplaced, and felt a responsibility to reunite it with them. I’m keeping it safe here until the owner claims it, and I hope the rightful owner is reading this.

City Market, downtown Kansas City near 5th Street about 1 month ago

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Postcards found near Union Station, Kansas City

I found a small stack of postcards on the sidewalk outside Union Station in Kansas City around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. The cards are worn at the edges, showing a mix of scenes: the KC skyline at dusk, a riverfront photo, and a handwritten note on the back with a date I can't quite read. They’re creased, the corners frayed, and they still smell faintly of old ink and travel. It felt like I stumbled onto a little time capsule, and I couldn't help but wonder who they belong to and what stories they carry.

Near Union Station, Kansas City about 1 month ago

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Gold-tone bracelet with turquoise pendant, initials engraved

I found a gold-tone bracelet with a small turquoise pendant this afternoon around 2:15pm near the Country Club Plaza entrance on 47th Street in Kansas City. It's about 7 inches long, slim, and in decent condition with a few tiny scratches along the back. The clasp bears a tiny 'S' maker's mark, and inside the clasp there's an engraving 'L.T.' plus a little red enamel heart charm on the dangle. It feels sentimental, like it could be someone’s cherished piece. If this is yours, email me at [email protected] and we can meet near the Plaza security desk to arrange a safe return.

Kansas City about 2 months ago

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Black tote bag with red lining and sailboat pin

I found a black tote bag this morning around 10:15am outside the Union Station entrance on East 18th Street in Kansas City. It's a medium-sized tote, about 14 inches wide and 11 inches tall, made from sturdy black canvas with a bright red interior. There's a small gold sailboat pin on the strap and the zipper pull is a bit worn. Inside I spotted a pink notebook with doodles, a folded umbrella, and a coffee cup sleeve. If this helps, the owner might be someone who uses public transit a lot - I'm hoping it finds its way back to them soon.

Kansas City 3 months ago