Lost brooches in Southeast Iowa
Description
On Saturday at 4:15 p.m., I realized my grandmother's silver brooches were missing somewhere in Southeast Iowa. I had been walking along Burlington's Snake Alley, returning from the riverfront Market on Jefferson Street, when I felt the velvet pouch slip out of my coat pocket. The sun was low on the courthouse tower and the air smelled like kettle corn from a nearby booth. These pieces aren’t just jewelry; they tie me to family stories and memories from summers at the old family home. If someone found them by Snake Alley or close to the riverfront, please hold onto them for a while—I’ll come back for them.
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.