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 hats near Monroe Courthouse Square, Monroe

I found a pair of hats this morning around 11:20 AM near the Monroe Courthouse Square on Monroe Street in Monroe, Michigan. One is a navy felt fedora and the other a gray knit beanie with a small patch; they looked recently worn and probably belong to someone who was out running errands or grabbing coffee. I picked them up and left them near the coffee shop window, hoping the owner would recognize them and come by. If these are yours, please check the posting and contact through the site so we can get them back where they belong.

Monroe Courthouse Square, Monroe, MI 15 days ago

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FOUND: Silver studs near River Raisin, Monroe

At 7:15 pm on Saturday, while walking behind the Monroe Public Library in Monroe, Michigan, United States, I found a small pair of silver studs on the sidewalk near the River Raisin. They shimmered under the street lamps and looked recently dropped. I pictured someone searching their purse and realizing they'd lost them, maybe before a big night out. I picked them up and left them with the library desk at Monroe Public Library, hoping the owner would see this listing. It felt nice to do something small that could help someone feel whole again.

near Monroe Public Library, downtown Monroe 20 days ago

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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 about 2 months 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 2 months 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. 3 months 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 3 months ago