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

Helpful resources for Lafayette

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Lafayette

found A

Found: chokers near Parc Sans Souci, downtown Lafayette.

This afternoon, around 1:10 p.m., I found a few chokers on the curb near Parc Sans Souci in downtown Lafayette. They were tucked in a small velvet pouch, one with a tiny silver heart and another on a black ribbon catching the sunlight. I picked them up and kept them safe, hoping the owner would see this and know they’re found. It didn’t feel right to stash them away—just a small gesture to help someone reclaim a bit of their style.

near Parc Sans Souci, downtown Lafayette 12 days ago

found C

Found lamps in Lafayette, downtown.

I was walking my dog at 7:25 a.m. this Sunday along Jefferson Street near the Vermilion River trail in downtown Lafayette when I spotted two brass lamps sitting on the porch of a brick Creole cottage. They were dusty but sturdy, with ornate glass shades that caught the morning light. I picked them up and brought them to the porch railing, leaving a note in case the owner passed by. It felt good to help out and keep a small piece of someone’s home from getting lost in the morning rush. I hope the owner sees this and claims them on the site.

Jefferson St, near the Vermilion River trail 27 days ago

found G

Found Document Holders in Lafayette

I was leaving the Lafayette Regional Airport around 4:15 p.m. last Thursday when I spotted a glossy black document holder on a bench by the glass doors. Inside lay a stack of papers, a slim itinerary, and a small laminated badge that looked like it belonged to a traveler. I know how panicked I’d feel if I misplaced important documents, so I kept it safe and tucked it into a nearby railing until someone claims it. I hope the rightful owner sees this and knows their documents are here, waiting to be picked up.

near the Lafayette Regional Airport about 1 month ago

found N

Toasters found near Cajundome, Lafayette

I was tidying the kitchen at a friend's apartment on Verot School Road when I spotted two toasters sitting on a bench by the Cajundome entrance around 11:15 a.m. today. One is a chrome model with a slightly dented lever, the other a black matte unit with a scuffed crumb tray. They look like they belong to a busy household that enjoys a good Sunday breakfast, not a random lost appliance. I figured someone must be missing them after a tailgate shift or a late brunch, so I brought them here in case the owner walks by on this site. I hope the owner recognizes them soon.

Cajundome entrance, Verot School Road about 1 month ago

found B

Found envelope with name and number

Friday the 29th, in Albertsons parking lot, I found an envelope that had some things in it. It had a name on one side, and a number on the other side of it. Looking to return it to the owner.

Lafayette 3 months ago

found P

Gray Nike running shoes, size 9

Found a pair of gray Nike running shoes, size 9, this afternoon around 3:15pm behind the old train depot in the Lafayette Market District on Main Street. They’re a bit scuffed but solid, with a worn feel in the sole. The left shoe has a neon green lace tucked inside, and there’s a tiny coffee stain on the tongue. I’d love to get them back to the owner, especially if you’ve been jogging along the river trail today. If you recognize them, drop a note here and we can arrange a pickup near Main and 2nd.

Lafayette 3 months ago