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

Helpful resources for Pullman / Moscow

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Pullman / Moscow

found L

Found: Equipment for Various Sports in the Palouse

I was walking back to my car around 7:20 p.m. last Friday, outside the WSU Recreation Center in Pullman when I spotted a black duffel stuffed with sports gear. Inside were a basketball, two tennis rackets, a rolled-up yoga mat, and a few worn cones with a faded team logo. There wasn’t anyone around, so I picked it up and dropped it off at the campus lost-and-found to help it find its owner. I know how frustrating it is to lose gear before a game, and I hope this helps someone reunite with their stuff.

WSU Recreation Center, Pullman campus 9 days ago

found A

Found desk organizers near WSU campus, Pullman

I found these desk organizers this morning around 9:15 on College Avenue outside the WSU Bookstore in Pullman. They’re translucent blue with a tangle of papers wedged in the compartments, a couple of pens still tucked in the lid. They look like they were used to corral a student’s notes between back-to-back classes and maybe a late-night cram session. If you’re missing a set of organizers somewhere near campus, this might be yours, and I’m hoping to reunite you with them.

Sentimental

Near the WSU Bookstore, College Ave 10 days ago

found D

Found radios on Main Street, Pullman.

I found Radios this morning around 10:45 a.m., on Main Street in Pullman, near the WSU campus bus stop by Beasley Coliseum. They’re three compact units in a grey plastic case with a worn strap, all powered off and harmless. I picked them up and kept them with me, figuring the owner would notice they’re missing by now. If this helps, I’m posting them here so the rightful owner can claim them through the site.

Main Street near Beasley Coliseum, Pullman 27 days ago

found P

Black tuxedo jacket with satin lapels found

Found this afternoon around 3:15pm outside the Moscow Public Library on Main Street. It’s a black Hugo Boss tuxedo jacket, size 40R, with satin lapels and a slim, tailored cut. Inside, there’s a small silver tag in the left pocket and an embroidered crest on the lining near the chest—really distinctive. The jacket has a few wrinkles from being folded in a bag but is otherwise clean and seems well cared for. If you recognize these details, reach out and we’ll sort out getting it back to its owner.

Pullman / Moscow about 1 month ago

found P

Gray Nike hoodie found near Main Street Co-op

I found a gray Nike hoodie this afternoon around 2:15pm near the Moscow Food Co-op on Main Street. It's a men's medium fleece hoodie, soft and slightly worn, with a white Nike swoosh on the chest and a coffee stain on the front pocket. There's a tiny red thread loop stitched into the left cuff and a frayed edge along the hem—classic casual wear with a bit of character. I’m hoping to reunite it with its owner, so if this matches your casual wear, message me to arrange a pickup near the Co-op or the bus stop by the plaza.

Pullman / Moscow about 2 months ago

found P

Found paperback with blue floral cover and cat bookmark

Found this afternoon around 3:20 pm near the Moscow Public Library on Main Street, outside the book drop. It's a cream-colored paperback, about 6 by 9 inches, with a blue floral cover and gold lettering. Inside, there's a cat-shaped bookmark and a yellow sticky note that says 'For Alex' in a small handwriting. The cover is a bit worn, with a coffee ring on the back and a crease along the spine. If the owner sees this, I'd love to get it back to you—this book obviously has sentimental value to someone.

Pullman / Moscow 2 months ago