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

Helpful resources for Pittsburgh

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Pittsburgh

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Found holiday decorations in Oakland

Found a tote of holiday decorations around 6:30 p.m. today in Oakland, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. I was walking home from a class near the Cathedral of Learning on Forbes Avenue when I spotted a box on the curb outside a brownstone; inside were garlands, lights, a wreath, and a red velvet bow. They looked festive, as if someone was mid‑decorating and forgot to bring them inside. I’m posting here in case they belong to someone else and will leave them by the lamppost for now.

Forbes Ave near Cathedral of Learning, Oakland, Pittsburgh 21 days ago

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Black Nike running shoes found near Market Square

I found a pair of black Nike running shoes this morning around 7:40am outside the Market Street entrance to the City-County Building, near Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh. They’re size US 9.5, with a black mesh upper, white midsole, and a bright neon-green lace accent. One unique feature is the neon green laces that were tucked under the tongue, and inside the left shoe there’s a tiny stitched initials 'MJ' on the insole. The shoes show light wear, a small scuff on the toe, but overall in good condition. If these belong to you, please reach out with identifying details like the brand and size and the features I listed; I’d really like to help reunite them with their owner.

Pittsburgh about 1 month ago

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Blue Nike swim shorts with neon trim found

I found a pair of blue Nike swim shorts this afternoon around 3:40pm near the railing by Point State Park, the area where the trail heads toward the riverfront. They’re a medium size, quick-dry fabric, with a bright neon green trim along the leg seams and a white Nike swoosh on the left thigh. Inside the back pocket there’s a small tear that’s barely noticeable, and the drawstring is black with yellow tips, which makes them easy to spot. They look well cared for otherwise, just a bit damp from the river breeze. If you’re missing swim gear, I’d love to help get them back to you.

Pittsburgh about 1 month ago

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Red Adidas swim shorts found near North Shore, Pittsburgh

I found a pair of red Adidas swim shorts this morning around 9am on the riverfront trail behind PNC Park on the North Shore in Pittsburgh. They're men's size M, bright red with white Adidas stripes down the sides and a small white logo on the left leg. They're in decent shape, a bit sun-faded, with a tiny sunscreen stain near the hem. If these are yours, message me here or email [email protected] and we can arrange a pickup near the North Shore.

Pittsburgh about 2 months ago

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Silver bracelet with heart charm and initials M.J.

Found a silver bracelet this afternoon around 3:15 pm near Market Street outside the PPG Place entrance in downtown Pittsburgh. It's a slim, silver-toned chain bracelet about 7 inches long with a tiny heart charm that catches the light. The inside of the clasp is engraved with the initials M.J., and there’s a faint tarnish along the links from wear. I figured someone might be missing it and would really want it back, so I’m posting here in hopes the owner sees it. If this is yours or you know who it might belong to, message me and we can arrange a safe meetup in Market Square.

Pittsburgh 2 months ago

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Ryobi 18V cordless drill in red case

I found a Ryobi 18V cordless drill with a red hard case this afternoon around 3:15pm outside Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh, near the fountain and the big LED screens. The drill is black and red with a textured grip, and the case has a few scuffs from city use. There's a blue tape measure clipped to the outside and a small sticker of a blue octopus on the battery, plus initials 'AH' etched into the battery cover. It seems to be in decent condition and the battery appears to hold a charge when I checked it briefly, though I didn’t plug it in. If you recognize this, message me and we can arrange to return it near Market Square.

Pittsburgh 3 months ago