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

Helpful resources for Lancaster

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Lancaster

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Found memory cards near Lancaster Central Market

I was helping set up a pop-up outside Lancaster Central Market around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday when a small plastic case slid out from under a bench near Penn Square. The cards look like they belong to a photographer or student—lots of travel photos and a few personal shots. I can imagine the owner stressing about what’s on those cards, so I’m posting here to help reunite them with whoever owns them. The Market's brick sidewalks and the scent of coffee and kettle corn made the moment feel hopeful. If you recognize these, the site will guide you to claim them.

Reward

near Penn Square, outside Lancaster Central Market 4 days ago

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Chameleon Club concert ticket stub

Found a single ticket stub for a Chameleon Club show this afternoon around 2:45pm. It's a small glossy white ticket, about 4x2 inches, printed by Ticketmaster with black text and a purple holographic stripe. The seat number is 118 and the barcode is still visible, though the corner is creased. On the back there’s a faint pencil doodle of a musical note and a distinctive blue sticker labeled VIP. I found it outside The Chameleon Club's front entrance on North Queen Street in Lancaster, near the bike racks. It looks important to the owner and I hope the rightful person gets it back soon.

Lancaster about 2 months ago

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Found metronome: black Yamaha with red sticker

I found a compact metronome this afternoon around 4:15pm behind the Fulton Theatre on Prince Street in Lancaster. It's a black Yamaha metronome, about the size of a paperback, with a red 'Practice Time' sticker on the back and a small dent on the top edge. The metronome ticks reliably and the battery compartment seems intact. It was sitting on a bench near the entrance of the Fulton, by the planters along Market Street. I’d like to get it back to its owner; if you recognize these details, tell me the tempo setting or the sticker text to confirm ownership.

Lancaster about 2 months ago

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Black leather wallet found near Lancaster Central Market

I found a black leather bifold wallet this afternoon, around 4:15 pm, on Market Street near the Lancaster Central Market entrance. It's a well-worn piece, about 4.25 by 3.5 inches, with a soft matte finish and a few scuffs along the bottom edge. A tiny red thread snag on the corner is one unique feature, and the clear ID slot holds a laminated photo of a beagle. Inside are a couple of loyalty cards for a local cafe and a faded library card. I didn’t see any contact info on the outside, so I’m keeping it safe and would love to help get it back to its owner. If this sounds like yours, send me a message here.

Lancaster about 2 months ago

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Bearded dragon found near Fulton Theatre, Lancaster

I found a bearded dragon this afternoon around 2:15pm in downtown Lancaster, outside the Fulton Theatre on Prince Street near the Market House. It’s about 9 inches long, with a sandy tan body and bright orange accents along the head crest, and faint darker banding along the back. It perched on a low brick ledge for a moment before freezing when I approached. It has a tiny white dot on the tip of its tail and a small crescent-shaped scar under its left eye—distinctive enough I think the owner would recognize. I’m keeping it safe for now and happy to coordinate a meet-up with the rightful owner nearby.

Lancaster about 2 months ago

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Navy North Face parka with faux fur hood

I found a navy North Face parka this afternoon around 2:30pm, tucked behind a bench by the Fulton Theatre on Prince Street, Lancaster. It's a size Medium, men's cut, with a gray faux-fur hood and a bright orange lining that peeks out when you unzip. One unique detail: there's a small enamel lighthouse pin on the left chest pocket, plus a faint coffee stain on the cuff and slightly worn zipper pulls. The jacket is in solid condition overall and looks ready for more wear. If this is yours, drop me a message here and we can set up a pickup.

Lancaster about 2 months ago