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

Helpful resources for Southeast KS

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Southeast KS

found G

Blue desk organizers found near Parsons Public Library.

I found a set of blue plastic desk organizers on a bench outside the Parsons Public Library around 4:15 PM last Saturday. They’re clean, just a couple of scratches and a faint coffee stain on the top. There was no name tag inside, and the label reads 'Organizers' in bold black marker. It felt like fate—someone somewhere might be missing these because they help keep a desk tidy for a student or a teacher. If these belong to you, I hope they can find their way back to you through the site.

Parsons Public Library steps 14 days ago

found P

Silver flute with blue case near Pittsburg Public Library

I found a silver flute this afternoon around 2:15pm in the parking lot behind the Pittsburg Public Library on Broadway Street in Southeast KS. It's a Yamaha student model, silver with a few tiny dings on the edge of the head joint, and the blue soft-shell case smells faintly of lemon cleaner. Inside the case there's a small sticker that reads 'M. Reed' and a worn reed protector clipped to the zipper. I didn't touch anything else and I really hope I can help reunite this with its owner—if this sounds like yours, send me a message and we can arrange a safe handoff.

Southeast KS about 1 month ago

found L

Purple ukulele in gig bag, star sticker

Found a small purple concert ukulele in a black padded gig bag this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind the Walmart on 6th Street in Pittsburg, Southeast KS. The instrument is a starter model with a faint fade on the finish, and there's a bright blue star sticker on the headstock. A brown strap is threaded through the ring, and the zipper on the bag sticks a bit. It seems like something a student would own, maybe someone heading to an open mic tonight. If this is yours, tell me the make or any identifying sticker and I’ll get it back to you.

Southeast KS 3 months ago

found P

Blue Giro helmet with MIPS, found in Pittsburg

I found a blue Giro helmet with white accents this afternoon around 4:15pm behind the Walmart on 8th Street in Pittsburg, in Southeast KS. It's an adult-size helmet with a black adjustable dial at the back and a few light scuffs on the brim from a season of riding. Inside, there's a small yellow sticker with the initials KC and the chin strap still feels secure. I know how easy it is to lose a bike helmet when you're grabbing groceries or waiting by the bike racks, so I'm hoping to help its owner reunite with it.

Southeast KS 3 months ago

found P

Gold-tone bracelet with purple charm found near Walmart

I found this gold-tone bracelet this afternoon around 2:45pm in the parking lot behind the Walmart on Broadway Street in Pittsburg, Southeast KS. It's a slim 7-inch chain with a small purple enamel bead and a tiny heart charm that catches the light. The clasp is stamped with faint initials 'A.L.' and there are a few scuffs from being on the ground. It's in decent shape overall, just a bit dusty from the parking lot. If you recognize it or think it might be yours, please reach out—I’d love to help get it back to you.

Southeast KS 4 months ago

found A

Seiko steel watch, blue dial, KB initials engraved

I found a Seiko stainless steel watch this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind the Walmart on Broadway Street in Pittsburg, KS. It's in pretty good condition with a blue dial, silver-tone case, and a brushed steel bracelet, though there are a few tiny scratches near the 2 o'clock mark. On the back there's a small engraving of the initials 'KB' that might help the owner identify it. I know this could be important and I hate the thought of someone losing something that might be a gift or carry sentimental value, so if this is yours, drop me a note with the engraving and when you last wore it, and I'll help get it back.

Southeast KS 5 months ago