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 Sioux Falls / SE SD? 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 Sioux Falls / SE SD; 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 Sioux Falls / SE SD with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Sioux Falls / SE SD

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Sioux Falls / SE SD

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Found: Xylophones in Sioux Falls, SD

This morning around 9:10 a.m., I found a set of Xylophones leaning against a bench near Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls. They’re in a weathered wooden case with bright stickers and a few keys sticking out, like someone started a tune and forgot to finish it. I picked them up and brought them to the downtown Lost and Found, hoping the owner will claim them soon. It felt strange and hopeful at the same time—the kind of small discovery that reminds you how connected this town is.

Falls Park overlook near the pedestrian bridge, Sioux Falls about 20 hours ago

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Found hand tools tucked near Falls Park, Sioux Falls.

I found a small bundle of hand tools—hammer, pliers, and a couple of screwdrivers—on a bench outside the Falls Park entrance around 6:10 pm last Tuesday. The hammer has a nicked wooden handle and a bit of oil on the metal; the pliers wear a red grip and the screwdrivers are a little nicked from use. It felt like someone started a quick repair and had to leave in a hurry, and I felt a twinge of worry for the owner. I turned them in to the local lost-and-found, hoping the rightful owner would see this post. If these are yours, you’ll recognize the worn hammer handle and the red-grip pliers.

near the Falls Park entrance 6 days ago

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Found Canines in Sioux Falls

On Tuesday around 4:25 p.m., I found two canines wandering near Falls Park along the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls. They had no collars or tags and looked a bit tired but friendly. I kept them close with a spare leash from my daypack and offered water while I asked nearby walkers if anyone recognized them. We moved toward the park shelter area and waited as the light faded, hoping a family would come forward. I’m posting this in case someone is missing two dogs and can describe them by color and size so they can be rejoined with their people.

Reward

Falls Park area, Sioux Falls 14 days ago

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Found on cliff hill east side of street near Barneys

found on cliff hill on east side of street north of barneys

Sioux Falls / SE SD about 1 month ago

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Found handheld and console in Sioux Falls

While walking near Levitt at the Falls around 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, I spotted a small backpack with a handheld device peeking out. Inside was a handheld console and a few cartridges. I turned it in at the park information desk and waited a moment to see if anyone looked for it. I know how easy it is to forget something like this, and I hope the owner is reunited soon.

Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls, near 8th Street about 1 month ago

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Found ticket on Marion Rd

Found ticket on Marion rd

Sioux Falls / SE SD 2 months ago