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

Helpful resources for Moses Lake

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Moses Lake

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Found Avians in a crate by the park

I was walking by the Moses Lake City Park around 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday when I heard a faint chirp coming from a blue travel crate tucked behind a bench near the restrooms. Inside were a few Avians, their green and yellow feathers catching the last light. They seemed stressed but curious, stepping from perch to perch as I spoke softly. I checked for tags or a note, but there was nothing. I brought the crate to the nearby park office and waited for the rightful owner, hoping someone is looking for these birds as much as I am.

Moses Lake City Park, behind the restrooms 5 days ago

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Found someone's flutes in Moses Lake.

On Sunday around 7:15 PM, I found a soft-lined flute case behind the benches near Moses Lake City Park along the waterfront. A quick look showed several flutes and a few sheet music folders, dusty from the grass. I brushed off the dirt, picked them up, and carried the lot to the shelter behind the boat launch, hoping to reunite them with the owner. It reminded me how music can feel like a memory left behind, waiting to be returned. If you recognize these instruments, please reach out through this site so we can get them home.

Behind the benches near Moses Lake City Park, waterfront. 7 days ago

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Found holiday decorations in Moses Lake, WA.

On Monday at 6:15 p.m., I was strolling along East 3rd Ave near the Moses Lake Safeway when I spotted a blue tote tucked behind a planter by the curb. Inside were strings of lights, garland, and a handful of ornaments—clearly someone’s holiday decorations left behind in the bustle of the season. I picked it up and brought it to the library's front desk so the owner could claim it. The sight of those bright pieces reminded me how this town comes alive with lights in winter, and I’m glad these decorations were found and kept safe until they’re reunited with their owner.

Sentimental

near the Moses Lake Safeway, East 3rd Ave 2 months ago

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Gold-tone moon pendant necklace, 18-inch chain

I found a gold-tone necklace this afternoon around 3:45pm behind the Safeway on Pioneer Way in Moses Lake. It's an 18-inch box chain with a small moon pendant about 1 centimeter across, and a tiny sparkly inlay that catches the sunlight. The back is engraved with 'N.K.' and there is a faint scratch along the edge near the clasp. I would love to get it back to its owner; if you recognize it, email me at [email protected].

Moses Lake 4 months ago

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Blue Nike swim shorts with orange trim

I found a pair of blue Nike swim shorts with bright orange trim this afternoon around 4:15pm behind the Moses Lake Public Library on A Street. They’re men's size M, in pretty good condition aside from a tiny fray on the left leg hem and a faint chlorine smell. Inside the pocket, there's a small white tag that says 'Nike Swim M' and a tiny white star stitched near the waistband as a unique bonus. The color is vibrant, and I can imagine how attached someone is to these—hope to reunite them with the owner soon.

Moses Lake 4 months ago

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Leopard gecko found near Safeway in Moses Lake

Found a leopard gecko this afternoon around 2:15pm behind the Safeway on A Street, near Blue Heron Park by the lake. It's about 5 inches long, sandy tan with irregular dark rosettes and a bright blue tip on the tail. The gecko looks healthy and is currently in a small terrarium; I'm keeping it safe and warm while I try to find its owner. I notice a tiny scar above the left eye and a faint kink in the tail, two unique features that might help verify ownership. If this is your pet, tell me these details and I’ll arrange a meetup in Moses Lake.

Moses Lake 4 months ago