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

Helpful resources for San Luis Obispo

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in San Luis Obispo

found A

Blue plush dragon stuffed toy found near library

I found a blue plush dragon stuffed toy this afternoon around 3:20pm outside the San Luis Obispo Public Library on Palm Street, near the book drop by the entrance. It's about 12 inches tall, with soft royal blue fur, a bright yellow belly, and orange accents on the wings. There is a small stitched star on its paw and a tiny tear on the left ear, but otherwise it's clean and in good condition. It seems like it belongs to a kid who might have lost it while visiting the library or walking back from Mission Plaza Farmers Market. If this is yours, message me at [email protected] and we can arrange a safe pickup nearby.

San Luis Obispo about 1 month ago

found P

Red nylon dog collar with bone tag

I found a red nylon dog collar with a brass bone-shaped tag this afternoon around 2:30pm outside Trader Joe's on Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. It's about 1 inch wide, with a reflective white stripe along the edge and a sturdy silver buckle. The bone tag is engraved with the name 'Riley' and a phone number on the back, though the digits are a bit smudged. The collar looks lightly used but in good condition. If this belongs to your dog, message me with Riley's name and the last digits you see on the tag so we can get it back to you. I know how important a collar is for safety, and I’d love to help reunite you with your pup.

San Luis Obispo about 1 month ago

found P

Black Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses with blue sticker

Found a pair of black rectangular glasses this afternoon around 2:15pm outside Bubblegum Alley on Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. They’re black Ray-Ban Wayfarer-style frames with clear lenses, and the hinge on the right side feels a touch loose. Inside the left temple there’s a tiny blue sticker and a faint engraving that reads 'SLO-23'—nice little identifying marks. If these are yours, drop me a note here and we can arrange a pickup; I’d be glad to help get them back.

San Luis Obispo about 2 months ago

found A

Found Black North Face down jacket with orange lining

I found this jacket this morning around 9:15 am in the parking lot behind the SLO Public Library on Palm Street, near Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo. It's a black North Face down jacket with a bright orange lining, size Large, in generally good condition with minor wear. A small tear on the left cuff and a red enamel sun pin on the zipper pull are two distinctive features. I figured someone probably lost it in the area since it was dry and warm under the trees, and I'd really like to get it back to its owner. If this sounds like yours, drop a note here and we can arrange a quick meetup near the library.

San Luis Obispo 3 months ago

found M

Found red tote bag with star sticker

I found this afternoon around 3:45 pm outside the Starbucks on Monterey Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. It’s a small red nylon tote bag with a black star sticker on the front and a slight coffee stain along the bottom edge. Inside, there’s a spiral notebook with a green cover, a reusable water bottle, and a whale-shaped keychain. If the owner can describe the contents or the notebook’s cover design, I’d be happy to return it.

San Luis Obispo 4 months ago

found D

Oak coffee table with glass top

I found this oak coffee table this afternoon around 2:15pm in front of the Starbucks on Higuera Street, downtown San Luis Obispo. It’s a mid-century style piece, about 48 inches long, with a clear glass inset on top and a lower open shelf in matching oak. The finish is a warm honey tone with a few light scratches and a tiny dent on the front left leg. There’s a faded fern sticker tucked on the inside of the lower shelf, which is a small clue to its past. It feels sturdy and clean, and I figured someone might be missing it, so I’m hoping to help reunite it with its owner.

San Luis Obispo 4 months ago