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

Helpful resources for Northwestern CT

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Northwestern CT

found A

Found a toaster set.

On Saturday at 6:15 PM, after a short hike near Kent Falls State Park in Northwestern CT, I found a tote tucked behind a bench along a service road. Inside were two shiny toasters, their cords in a loose knot and a plastic bag with the brand tag still attached. There wasn’t a name or a label, just the gleam of chrome. I felt surprised and a little relieved at the same time—someone must be missing these. I placed the tote on a bench where other hikers wait for rides, in plain sight for a quick glance from the nearby parking lot. I hope the owner sees this listing and recognizes them quickly.

near Kent Falls State Park, Kent 18 days ago

found C

Found sheet music in Northwestern CT.

I was at the Torrington Public Library around 4:15 PM on a breezy Tuesday when I spotted a folder stuffed with sheet music tucked beneath a chair by the reference desk. The pages were neatly notated, some with notes and a few coffee stains along the edges. It looked like someone had been practicing a piece for a recital—the kind of thing a musician would treasure. I’m not the owner, so I’m posting this in case the rightful musician sees this and can claim it; I hope it finds its home soon.

near the Torrington Public Library 26 days ago

found A

Found cockatiel near Coe Memorial Park, Torrington

I found a cockatiel this afternoon around 3:15pm on Main Street, in front of the Stop & Shop near Coe Memorial Park in Torrington, Northwestern CT. It's a gray-bodied bird with a bright yellow crest and orange cheek patches, about the size of a small robin. It wears a silver leg band with 'CT22' etched on it and a tiny blue dot on its left wing, which I thought would help ID. The bird seems a bit skittish but it's clearly someone's pet, and I kept it safe in a travel cage I always carry in the car while I looked for its owner. If this is your bird or you know who it might belong to, please reach out—I’d love to help reunite them.

Northwestern CT about 1 month ago

found P

Found gray tabby cat near Torrington Library

Found a gray tabby cat with white paws this afternoon around 3:15 pm in the parking lot behind the Torrington Downtown Library on Water Street. It wears a bright green collar with a small silver bell and has a tiny scar just behind its right ear. The cat is medium-sized, with a glossy coat, and very friendly—purring when I gently petted it. No ID on the collar and it doesn’t seem injured, so I brought it to a safe spot nearby while I try to locate its owner. I know how much a pet means to someone, and I hope to reunite it with its family. If this is your cat, email me at [email protected] with a description of the collar or markings and we can arrange a meetup.

Northwestern CT about 1 month ago

found P

Red Le Creuset Dutch oven with lid

I found a red Le Creuset 5-quart Dutch oven with lid this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind the New Milford Town Green on Main Street. It's in great condition overall—no cracks, enamel shine is bright, and the knob turns smoothly. There’s a tiny chip on the rim and a faint coffee-ring inside, plus a small sticker with the initials 'AL' on the bottom. I know someone must be missing a kitchen workhorse, especially since it looks well-loved and clearly like a gift or heirloom in use. If you’re the owner, shoot me a note and we’ll arrange a safe pickup here in Northwestern CT.

Northwestern CT 2 months ago

found P

Black glasses with blue temples found near Torrington Library

I found a pair of glasses this morning around 9:15am near the Torrington Public Library on Prospect Street. They're black matte rectangular frames with bright blue temple tips and a tiny silver crest on the hinge. The lenses look prescription and there's a small scratch along the bottom edge of the left lens. They came with a black case and a blue microfiber cloth tucked inside. If these belong to you, reply to this listing and we can arrange a quick pickup near the library—hope to get them back to their owner soon.

Northwestern CT 2 months ago