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

Helpful resources for Southeast Missouri

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Southeast Missouri

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Found passports in Southeast Missouri

I found a bundle of passports yesterday around 4:30 PM, tucked beneath a bench near the Cape Girardeau Riverfront Market in Southeast Missouri. The covers showed different names and photos, and my heart sank at the thought of someone traveling without them. I tucked everything into my bag and posted here, hoping the owners will see this and reclaim what is theirs. The wind along the Mississippi was cool by the Courthouse Square, and I felt a quiet responsibility to do the right thing.

near the Cape Girardeau courthouse square 11 days ago

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Black floor-length velvet gown with emerald sash

I found a black floor-length velvet gown with an emerald satin belt behind the Cape Girardeau Public Library on Main Street in Southeast Missouri yesterday around 5:30 pm. It's an Adrianna Papell gown, size 6, with a subtle sweetheart neckline and a detachable beaded belt that shimmers under streetlights. The gown is in good condition except for a tiny snag near the hem and a missing bead on the belt buckle, plus a small rhinestone brooch at the hip. I know it's a formal piece likely for prom or a wedding, and I’d love to reunite it with its owner; if this sounds like yours, share the size or belt detail to confirm.

Southeast Missouri about 1 month ago

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Found Bose QuietComfort Earbuds charging case

I found a Bose QuietComfort Earbuds charging case this afternoon around 3:45pm in the parking lot behind the Cape Girardeau Public Library on Independence Street. The case is black matte with a small dent on the right edge and a faint coffee stain along the bottom. There's a tiny blue Sharpie initials 'AM' on the underside, a quick clue for the owner. If this is yours, please reach out—I’d love to get it back to you.

Southeast Missouri about 2 months ago

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Found business card with contact details

I found a small business card this afternoon around 2:15pm behind a cafe on Main Street in downtown Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri. The card is white with a blue compass logo and the name Priya Kapoor printed in bold. On the back there’s a handwritten note that reads 'Call Priya at 555-0149.' The card is in decent shape, just a slight crease on the corner from slipping in a wallet. If this matches your card or you recognize the details, drop a message here and we can arrange a quick handoff.

Southeast Missouri 3 months ago

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Found: blue hardcover mystery novel.

I found this blue hardcover mystery novel this afternoon around 2:15pm outside the SEMO campus bookstore on Main Street in Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri. The jacket is a little worn at the corners, and the gold lettering on the spine still shines. Inside, there's a red ribbon bookmark and a few pencil notes in the margins—looks like someone read it with care. There's a small fox doodle tucked in the back cover and a faint coffee ring on the front. If this book belongs to you, I hope it finds its way back soon.

Southeast Missouri 4 months ago

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Keys on red tag with compass pendant

Found a set of keys this morning around 9:15am in the parking lot behind the Cape Girardeau Public Library on Main Street, Southeast Missouri. They’re on a bright red silicone heart-shaped tag, and there’s a small brass compass pendant dangling among them. About five keys total, with a couple showing wear and a faded sticker that reads A-14. If these are yours, drop me a message and we can arrange a quick handover near the library.

Southeast Missouri 5 months ago