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

Helpful resources for Southwest MN

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Southwest MN

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Found sandals near Worthington Public Library, SW MN

I was taking a leisurely loop around Lake Okabena in Worthington, Minnesota, around 7:15 PM yesterday when I spotted a pair of sandals lying on the sidewalk by the Worthington Public Library. They’re brown leather with bright pink straps, and the left sandal has a small blue sticker inside that reads a size I can’t quite read in the fading light. They look well-loved, with a little wear on the soles and a few scuffs on the straps. I picked them up and left them by the library in a safe spot, hoping the owner will see this listing.

By Worthington Public Library 12 days ago

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Found: Photographs in Southwest Minnesota

I found a stack of old photographs on a bench outside the Worthington Public Library around 6:30 pm on Saturday. The photos are weathered and creased, backs filled with handwriting I can barely read. They feel like windows into someone else’s past, and I can almost hear a distant laughter from a backyard picnic. I want to help reunite these memories with their owner, so I kept them safe on the library steps and hope the rightful person sees them here.

Outside Worthington Public Library steps 2 months ago

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Gold-tone bracelet with heart charm found near Walmart

I found this gold-tone bracelet with a tiny heart charm on the parking lot by Walmart on West Main Street in Marshall, MN this afternoon around 4:15 pm. It's about 7 inches long, with a delicate chain and a slightly worn, polished surface that glints in the sun. One identifying feature is the heart charm that has a tiny blue enamel star on it, and the inside of the clasp is engraved with 'NL'. I figured someone will be glad to get it back, so I'm posting this in case you're missing jewelry in Southwest Minnesota today. If this sounds like yours, tell me the brand or if there’s any other detail I should check to verify ownership, and I’ll hold onto it.

Southwest MN 4 months ago

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Found medium dog, tan coat with white chest

I found a dog this afternoon around 4:15 pm in the Walmart parking lot on Main Street in Worthington, SW MN. He's a medium-sized mixed breed, about 40 pounds, with a short tan coat and a white patch on his chest plus white socks on his front paws. He wears a red nylon collar with a bone-shaped tag that reads 'Rex'. One ear tilts while the other stands, which makes him look extra curious. He seems healthy and friendly but a bit unsure after being on his own. I didn’t see a microchip while I checked quickly. If this is your dog, send me a note here and we can arrange reunification.

Southwest MN 5 months ago

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Black rectangular eyeglasses with blue temple tips

I found a pair of black rectangular eyeglasses this afternoon around 3:15pm in the parking lot behind Hy-Vee on 2nd Ave in Worthington, SW MN. They’re black matte plastic frames, about medium width, with clear lenses and a small scratch along the bottom edge of the left lens. Inside the left arm there’s a tiny set of initials carved, something like 'MC,' which is a nice identifying detail. The blue silicone tips on the right temple make them easy to spot. I didn’t see a case nearby, but I’ve kept them safe in a basic glasses pouch. If these belong to you or someone you know, I’d be glad to help reunite you.

Southwest MN 5 months ago

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Silver-tone hoop earrings with tiny heart charm

I found a pair of silver-tone hoop earrings this morning around 9:15am in the parking lot behind the Walmart on Main Street in Worthington, MN. One hoop has a delicate heart charm, and the hoops are about 1.5 cm across; there's a small scratch along the inner edge, but they’re still in good condition. They seemed cared for, and I figure they could mean a lot to the owner who might be missing them after a quick trip to the store. If they’re yours, email me at [email protected] and we can arrange a safe pickup near the Walmart lot.

Southwest MN 5 months ago