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

Helpful resources for Richmond

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Richmond

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Found: felines near Glen Miller Park, Richmond

This afternoon around 3:40 p.m., I found felines wandering along the sidewalk by the Glen Miller Park entrance in Richmond. They were two gray-and-tan cats, each wearing a collar with a tiny bell that jingled when they padded past. They seemed calm but a little wary, sticking close to the curb as if waiting for someone to call them home. I share this hoping the rightful owner recognizes them and is eased to see they’re safe.

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near Glen Miller Park entrance 4 days ago

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Golden-brown guinea pig with blue harness

I found a guinea pig this afternoon around 2:15pm in the parking lot behind the CVS on West Broad Street, in Richmond near Monroe Park. It’s a small, golden-brown furball with a white stripe on its nose and a blue harness with a tiny silver bell. The little guy seemed healthy and curious but a bit skittish when I approached. There’s a light scratch on its left hind paw, and the harness has a faded green tag that might read a name—could be 'Nia' or 'Niko'—hard to tell. If this belongs to you, I’d really like to help you get it back and can keep it safe here until you claim it.

Richmond about 2 months ago

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Silver bracelet with heart charm found near library

I found a silver bracelet this afternoon around 4:15pm near the Richmond Public Library's main entrance on E Broad Street. It's a slim silver-tone chain about 6.5 inches long, with a tiny heart charm engraved with the initials 'M.L.' The clasp shows a small scratch, and the chain has a slight bend from wear. It feels like it has some sentimental value and someone might be missing it dearly. If this sounds like yours, leave a note here and we can arrange the next steps through the site.

Richmond about 2 months ago

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Bearded dragon found near Cary Street in Richmond

Found a bearded dragon this afternoon around 2:15pm. It was near the curb by the CVS on Cary Street, just south of the Robinson Street intersection. The dragon is about 12 inches long from snout to tail, with sandy orange scales, darker crossbands, and bright green eyes. It seems healthy but a little skittish; I kept it in a ventilated tote with paper towels and a shallow dish of water. It has a tiny scratch on the left side of its head and a faint stripe on its snout—that should help identify it if this is yours.

Richmond about 2 months ago

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Found Seiko watch near Richmond Canal Street

Found a Seiko wristwatch this afternoon around 3:10pm in the parking lot behind the Richmond Community Market on Canal Street. It's a stainless steel case with a black dial and white markers, on a black leather strap that shows some wear. There's a small notch on the bezel near 2 o'clock and an engraving on the back that reads 'A.R.' The watch seems to run when moved, so I think it's in decent shape. If this is yours, reply here with the engraving and strap wear details to claim it; I'd be happy to help get it back to you.

Richmond 2 months ago

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Cream and white guinea pig found in Richmond alley

Found a small mammal this afternoon around 3:15pm in the alley behind the Riverside Market on Main Street in Richmond. It’s a guinea pig, about the size of a standard pet, with a cream-colored coat and a white patch on the belly. It has a pink nose, bright round eyes, and a tiny white tuft on the tip of its left ear. I checked the area for a collar or tag but didn’t see anything obvious, and the little guy seems curious and friendly when I talk to him. If this pet belongs to someone, please reach out so we can reunite you.

Richmond 3 months ago