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

Helpful resources for Rochester

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Rochester

found M

Found keys; turned in to Mayo Security

Found a set of keys with Mayo Clinic marker and keys/fab on walking trail along Salem road and Bamber Valley road, Sat. Aug. 22nd. Turned in to Mayo Security at St. MARY'S hospital.

Rochester 7 days ago

found D

Found iPhone near Essex trail by creek

iPhone found by the creek near Essex trail Aug 8

Urgent

Rochester 21 days ago

found J

Found radios near Peace Plaza, downtown Rochester

This morning at 8:30 AM I found a tote with several radios tucked behind a bench near Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester. They look like older transistor sets, some with worn leather cases and one labeled Zenith or Grundig—worth a closer look for any identifying marks. I brought them here for safekeeping, hoping the owner will recognize their gear and come forward on the site. Please claim through the site if these are yours; include any distinctive brand or model details to help me return them quickly.

near Peace Plaza, downtown Rochester 2 months ago

found P

Silver-tone drop earrings with crystal heart charm

I found a pair of silver-tone drop earrings this afternoon around 4:15pm behind the Eastman Theatre on Gibbs Street in Rochester, NY. They’re about 1 inch long, lightweight, with a delicate chain and a small heart-shaped crystal charm dangling from one earring. The other earring has a tiny scratch on the back near the clasp. They’re in good condition overall and catch the light nicely. If someone recognizes them, send me a message and we can figure out how to get them back to you.

Rochester 6 months ago

found P

Navy crossbody tote with compass pin found

I found a navy blue canvas crossbody tote with tan leather trim outside the Rochester Public Market on North Union Street this afternoon around 2:15pm. It's a medium-sized bag with an adjustable strap and a front zipper pocket that's a bit worn. Inside there's a red enamel compass pin on the zipper pull and a fabric tag that reads 'MILA'. The bag is a little scuffed but otherwise in good condition, clearly something someone used daily. If the owner recognizes it, I'm hoping to get it back to them soon.

Rochester 7 months ago

found N

Red knit scarf with snowflake pattern

I found a red knit scarf this afternoon around 2:50pm, tucked under the railing outside the Rochester Public Market on Union Street. It's a medium-length scarf, probably acrylic-wool blend, with white snowflake patterns along the ends. There's a tiny yellow thread stitched in the bottom-right corner and a small snag along the left edge—gives it a bit of character. It looks well-loved, with some pilling on the fringe but still in good shape. Rochester winters are rough, and this seasonal item clearly keeps someone warm. If it's yours, drop me a note and we can coordinate a pickup near the Market entrance.

Rochester 7 months ago