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

Helpful resources for Rhode Island

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Rhode Island

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Found memory cards near Providence Place Mall, Providence

While walking from a coffee shop on Westminster Street around 4:15 p.m. on Friday, I found a small plastic case with memory cards lying on the sidewalk near the Providence Place Mall. The case contains several SD cards, some labeled with dates and trip names. I can see a few files labeled 'Vacation 2024' and 'Family Photos' on one card. I’ll hold onto them here in case the owner checks this page; I hope the rightful owner sees this and can recover their pictures.

Near Providence Place Mall, downtown Providence about 16 hours ago

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Found microwaves in Providence building kitchen

I found microwaves belonging to someone else in the community kitchen of my Providence, Rhode Island, apartment building at 7:42 AM today. They sat on the stainless counter, pulse light blinking, and the door hung with a tiny dent. The morning sun spilled through the window by the river, and the hum of the fridge kept me company as I surveyed the scene. I felt a mix of responsibility and relief, thinking of the person who might be searching for them. I’ve kept them safe in the staff room until the owner can claim them through the building manager.

in the building's communal kitchen near the Providence River 14 days ago

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FOUND: coins near Providence Station.

I was walking my dog at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday along Exchange Street by Providence Station when I spotted a small pile of coins under a bench. It looked like a century of change—pennies with copper sheen, a few bright nickels, and one silver coin that looked older. It felt like a tiny connection to someone’s routine—a bus ride, a tip jar, a quick purchase after a long day. I tucked the coins into a small tin and hoped they’ll help someone piece together their day again.

near Providence Station, Exchange Street 15 days ago

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Blue US passport found near Waterplace Park, Providence

I found a blue US passport this afternoon around 2:15pm on a bench outside the Dunkin' on Westminster Street, near Waterplace Park in Providence, Rhode Island. The cover is navy blue with gold lettering, and it’s a standard passport book with a few light scratches and a small coffee stain on the back. There’s a travel-agency sticker on the inside cover and a dent along the top edge, which might help the owner identify it. If this is yours, email me at [email protected] and we can figure out a safe way to get it back to you.

Rhode Island 2 months ago

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Mid-century teak coffee table with glass top

Found a mid-century teak coffee table this afternoon around 3:45 pm in the parking lot behind the CVS on Thayer Street in Providence, Rhode Island. It's about 48 inches long, with a clear glass top and a warm honey-toned finish. There are a couple of small scratches on the edge and a tiny pencil mark on the underside that reads 'Miller & Co. 1967.' One leg looks a bit taller than the others, giving it a slight wobble if you lean on it, but it’s otherwise sturdy and clean. If this sounds like your table, drop me a message here and we can arrange a quick pickup.

Rhode Island 5 months ago

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Beige Coach crossbody bag with gold hardware

I found a beige Coach crossbody bag this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind Providence Place Mall, near the Cheesecake Factory in Providence, Rhode Island. It's a medium-sized, pebble-grain leather bag with a long adjustable strap and shiny gold-tone hardware. Inside there’s a blush-pink wallet and a seashell charm on the keyring, plus a spare house key. There’s a tiny red thread stitched near the zipper and a small crease on the bottom corner—distinctive details I figured might help the owner recognize it.

Rhode Island 5 months ago