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

Helpful resources for Poconos

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Poconos

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Blue Penguin Classics edition of The Great Gatsby found

I found a blue Penguin Classics paperback of The Great Gatsby yesterday around 3pm in the lobby of the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in the Poconos, near the fireplace by the big windows. It's in decent shape, but the cover is a little glossy worn and there's a red ribbon bookmark sticking out between pages 72 and 73. I noticed a tiny lighthouse sticker on the inside cover, which could serve as a unique identifier. I figured it must belong to someone staying in the lodge, so I left it on the concierge desk with my contact info and a note that I’d be happy to hand it back to its owner. I know how much a favorite read can mean after a day on the slopes, so I hope this helps.

Poconos about 1 month ago

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Navy tuxedo jacket with satin lapels

I found a navy tuxedo jacket yesterday around 6pm in the parking lot behind Kalahari Resort Pocono Manor, by the entrance near the big red awning. It's a men's formal jacket, size 40R, with black satin peak lapels and a subtle pinstripe that catches the light. Inside the left pocket there's a silk lining with a small paw print embroidery and a monogram 'A.J.' on the inner label. There's also a silver tie clip clipped to the pocket square. The jacket is in good condition, just a bit wrinkled from the wind. If this belongs to you or someone you know, I’d be thrilled to get it back to its owner soon; I know how stressful it can be to misplace a formal outfit, especially for a special occasion.

Poconos about 1 month ago

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Found brass compass with engravings near Crossings Premium Outlets

I found a small brass compass this afternoon around 2:15pm in the parking lot behind The Crossings Premium Outlets on Route 611 in the Poconos. It's roughly 1.5 inches across, with a warm patina and a cracked glass. On the back, there's a delicate engraving of a mountain range and the date 'Mt Pocono 1943' that really stands out. It also has a faded green leather cord attached, and a couple of nicks on the rim from years of use. It felt sentimental as soon as I picked it up, and I’d love to return it to its owner.

Poconos 3 months ago

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Brown leather briefcase found near Camelback Resort

I found this brown leather briefcase this afternoon around 2:45pm in the Camelback Resort parking lot off Camelback Road in Tannersville. It's about a 15-inch case with a few scuffs on the corner and a red fabric lining that’s worn through in places. There’s a small brass nameplate on the front engraved with 'A. Reed' and a sturdy black strap that keeps the flap closed. Inside are a few receipts, a folded notepad with the initials 'A.R.' and a business card from a local law firm. If this is yours, drop me a line and we’ll arrange a safe handoff in the area.

Poconos 3 months ago

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Found beagle near Camelback Mountain, tan and white

Found a medium-sized beagle this afternoon around 3:15pm wandering near the Camelback Mountain trailhead parking lot in Tannersville, not far from Camelback Resort. He’s tan and white, about 40 pounds, with a blue nylon collar and a round brass tag that reads 'Nova.' There’s a small heart-shaped patch of white on his chest and one ear that tilts when he listens to noises. He seems friendly and relieved to have a human nearby, but he’s a bit tired and clearly someone is missing him. I’m keeping him safe on a leash and hoping to get him back to his family in the Poconos. If this is your dog, tell me the name on the tag and what town you last saw him.

Poconos 3 months ago

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Blue Camelback day pass on lanyard

Found a one-day Camelback Mountain ski lift pass on a blue lanyard this afternoon around 2:15pm in the parking lot behind Camelback Resort on Camelback Road in Tannersville, near the North Lot entrance. The white pass has a thick blue border and an orange barcode in the bottom right corner, plus a small round holographic sticker on the back that says VIP. The red lanyard is a bit worn and there is a light coffee stain along the bottom edge of the card. If this is yours, I would really like to help you get it back and I am happy to meet at the resort office or drop it at the front desk for pickup. This pass clearly matters to someone, and I am glad to help reunite you with it.

Poconos 4 months ago