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

Helpful resources for Provo / Orem

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Provo / Orem

found A

Tan leather handbag with cactus pin

I found a handbag this morning around 9:15am in the parking lot behind the Provo Library on 550 N University Ave. It's a medium-sized tan leather tote with brass hardware and a few light scuffs from daily use. The zipper pull features a small enamel cactus pin, and there's a pink silk scarf tied around the handle, which makes it stand out. Inside, I saw a small black notebook and a spare set of keys in a side pocket. If this is your bag, I’d like to help return it.

Provo / Orem 2 months ago

found P

DeWalt 20V drill found near Home Depot

I found a DeWalt 20V cordless drill this afternoon around 1:15pm in the parking lot behind the Home Depot on University Parkway in Orem. It's in a black plastic case, and the drill itself is mostly yellow with a black grip — a little dusty from being outdoors. The battery has a blue painter's tape label with the initials 'A.P.' on it, and the rubber grip shows a slight dent from a drop. I spotted it near the cart return area next to a stack of pallets, so I picked it up to keep it safe. If this is yours, shoot me a message at [email protected] so we can arrange a pickup.

Provo / Orem 3 months ago

found A

Black Fender Stratocaster found near Provo Towne Centre

I found a black Fender Stratocaster in a padded gig bag this afternoon around 3:15pm behind the Provo Towne Centre near the food court on University Ave. The guitar has a glossy black finish, white pickguard, and a maple neck, with a small dent on the lower bout. There’s a bright blue pineapple sticker on the back of the headstock and the gig bag itself has an orange zipper pull. I know how much a string instrument can mean to someone, and I’d love to get this back to its owner. If this is yours, a quick message is all it takes and we’ll figure out the rest.

Provo / Orem 4 months ago

found P

Gray tabby with red collar found near Provo Library

I found a cat yesterday around 3pm behind the Provo Library on University Ave. It's a medium-sized gray tabby with a white chest, green eyes, and a red collar with a small silver bell. The cat is in decent shape but a bit shy, and I notice a tiny white star-shaped patch on its left front leg and a small notch in the left ear. It purrs when I pet it and seems comfortable around people, so I’m hoping to reunite it with its owner. If you’re missing a cat like this, please reach out.

Provo / Orem 6 months ago

found P

Found black Warby Parker glasses with blue temples

I found a pair of black Warby Parker glasses this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind the Wilkinson Center on University Ave, Provo. They're black matte rectangular frames, about medium width, with bright blue temple tips and a tiny chip on the right nose pad. The lenses show a light prescription and a few smudges, but overall they're in decent condition. If these belong to you, message me and we can meet up at the BYU Bookstore to get them back.

Provo / Orem 6 months ago

found E

Found an intricately detailed wooden bear figurine near a bench by the Provo River.

I found this intricately detailed wooden bear figurine in a park near the Provo river. It seems like it was left on a bench during a picnic or something because it looked very out of place on the ground. If you’re missing it, please describe the bear’s features so I know it’s yours!

Provo River Parkway Trail, Provo, Utah, United States 8 months ago