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

Helpful resources for Monroe

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Monroe

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Found sports equipment in Monroe, MI

I was walking my dog near the Monroe Public Library steps around 5:15 p.m. on Saturday when a tote and several gear bags tucked beneath a bench came into view. Inside were equipment for various sports: a scuffed soccer ball, a pair of worn tennis rackets, a bright volleyball, and a gym bag stamped with a school logo. It looked like something a youth team would carry after practice at Sterling State Park, and my heart sank thinking someone would be missing it. I left the gear by the library entrance, hoping the rightful owner would recognize it and claim it soon.

near Monroe Public Library entrance 5 days ago

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FOUND Holiday Decorations in Monroe

Hi, I’m Jonah Reed. I found a bundle of holiday decorations outside downtown Monroe near the River Raisin on Tuesday around 7:45 PM. There was a mix of garlands, ribbons, and a small glittery wreath spilling from a tote. I tucked the items behind a storefront and kept watch for a bit, hoping the owner would come by. The decorations look new and likely meant for a home or a small event. If these belong to you, please reach out through the site and tell me what was in the bag or where you usually store them. I’d love to see them back with you.

near downtown Monroe Riverfront Park 28 days ago

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Found: Driver's License in Monroe

I found a driver's license today, around 3:15 PM, near the River Raisin in downtown Monroe. It was lying on a bench outside the Monroe Civic Center, tucked into a blue wallet sleeve I picked up to keep it safe. The name on the license reads 'Grace Anderson,' and the photo matches the card. I know how stressful it is to lose something that proves who you are, and I’m hoping to help bring it back to its owner.

Sentimental

Outside the Monroe Civic Center, by the River Raisin. about 1 month ago

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Found: Brooches in Monroe

Last Friday around 7:15 PM, I found a small velvet pouch tucked under a park bench at Monroe City Park in Monroe. Inside were several brooches, each with pins and stones that glinted in the streetlight. I picked them up and kept them safe, thinking someone might be looking for them soon. I hope the owner recognizes these and can pick them up at the library desk later this week.

Monroe City Park fountain area, near the library about 1 month ago

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USB drives found in Monroe

I found someone else's USB drives this morning around 9:15 AM on Front Street, near the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe. They were sitting near a bench by the park entrance, one black drive with a red cap and another silver drive with a blue sticker that reads 'Projects.' I didn't see any name tags, so I kept them safe and planned to drop them off at the local lost-and-found. If these belong to you, please reach out through the site so we can arrange a pickup.

Sentimental

near the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Monroe about 2 months ago

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Wireless earbuds in gray charging case with AP engraving

I found a pair of wireless earbuds this afternoon around 2:15pm behind the Monroe Public Library on Oak Street, near the bus stop. The charging case is matte gray and about the size of a small wallet; it opens and closes fine. The left earbud has a tiny scratch on the outer edge, and the back of the case is engraved with the initials AP. They seem to be in good shape overall. If this is yours, send a message in the app with the initials AP so we can verify and arrange a quick meetup near the library.

Monroe 2 months ago