Lost violins near State Street, Santa Barbara
Description
After a small recital at the Santa Barbara Conservatory of Music, I realized my two violins were missing from the back of my car around 8:15 pm on Tuesday. The cases are black leather with a faint scuff along the edges; one violin has a slight crack on the back—the sentimental instrument I inherited from my teacher. I combed State Street between the Conservatory and Stearns Wharf, asking staff and locals if they'd seen them. They were more than instruments to me; they carried years of practice, memories of late-night rehearsals, and a promise I made to finish a piece for my grandfather.
Approximate last-seen location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.