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

Helpful resources for South Jersey

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in South Jersey

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Found photographs on Ocean City Boardwalk, South Jersey

While strolling along the Ocean City Boardwalk this afternoon, around 4:25 p.m., I found a small bundle of photographs tucked behind a bench near the Surfside Deli. The photos range from sunny family vacation shots to black-and-white portraits, and it’s clear they mattered to whoever took them. I’ve kept them in a safe spot since then, hoping the rightful owner sees this and recognizes the snapshots. I’m not sure who they belong to, but I want them to be returned to the people in these memories.

Sentimental

near the 9th Street entrance on the Boardwalk, Ocean City 12 days ago

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Found appliances near Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City boardwalk

I was biking along Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City around 5:30 pm last Friday when I spotted a stack of appliances left beside a shuttered storefront behind a trash bin. There were a toaster oven, a blender, and a small microwave—clearly someone had set them aside, maybe they were moving or tidying up. I checked the area for a tag or note, but there wasn’t anything. I figured the rightful owner might be looking for them and decided to post them here, hoping they’ll be claimed by the person who knows these items best.

near Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City about 1 month ago

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Found: passports at Cape May ferry terminal

Hi, I'm Sarah Mitchell. On Tuesday at 4:15 p.m., I was wrapping up a day trip at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal when I spotted a leather passport folder on a bench near the ticket counter. Inside were two passports with several stamps and a small note that didn’t look like mine. My heart sank for the owner, imagining how stressful it would be to lose such crucial documents while traveling. I’ve kept everything safe in a bag here, near the terminal, and I’m hoping the rightful traveler sees this so the details can be confirmed and a reunion can happen.

near the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal about 1 month ago

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FOUND Stamps near Bridgeton Public Library, South Jersey

I found these stamps on a bench outside the Bridgeton Public Library in South Jersey at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. They were tucked inside a small, weathered red envelope, with a few loose stamps peeking out. It felt like a tiny piece of someone’s collecting habit, and I wanted to make sure they didn’t get lost again. I’ve kept them safe here and posted them on this site in hopes the owner sees this and claims them.

Near the Bridgeton Public Library steps, Commerce St. about 2 months ago

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Found silver chain necklace with moonstone pendant

I found a silver-toned sterling chain necklace this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind the Cherry Hill Mall on Route 38 in South Jersey. It’s about 18 inches long with a small oval pendant that features a moonstone center and tiny star engraving along the edge. The back of the pendant is engraved with the initials 'A.J.' and the chain shows a little wear but all links are intact. If this belongs to you, I’d be happy to return it—these things can mean a lot to someone.

South Jersey 4 months ago

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Red-and-white striped beach umbrella

I found this red-and-white striped beach umbrella this afternoon around 2:15pm on the Ocean City boardwalk in South Jersey, near 9th Street across from Kohr Brothers. It’s a standard 6-foot umbrella with a faded Coleman label on the fabric and sturdy wooden ribs. A blue sticker with the initials 'M.J.' is tucked under one rib, and a frayed cord is still attached to the carry strap. It looks like someone would be really relieved to have it back before the sun really starts burning, especially since it's a summer essential. If this belongs to you, please reach out so I can return it to its owner.

South Jersey 4 months ago