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

Helpful resources for Yuma

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Yuma

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Found holiday decorations in Yuma

This afternoon around 3:10 p.m., I found a bundle of holiday decorations near Riverfront Park in Yuma. A string of multicolored lights, a glittery wreath, and a handful of ornament toppers were left unattended on a bench by the riverwalk. I gathered everything up and left it in a sheltered spot by the park entrance, hoping the rightful owner would see this listing and claim what belongs to them. It feels nice to share a little holiday cheer.

near Riverfront Park, Yuma 16 days ago

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Found: Equipment for Various Sports in Yuma

I was walking behind Yuma High School after a pickup game around 6:45 p.m. on Friday when I spotted a blue duffel and several sport bags tucked behind the bleachers near the football field. Inside were gear for multiple sports—a pair of soccer cleats, a basketball, a tennis racket, a baseball glove, and a notebook with some names. I put it on the bench near the gym entrance so it’d be easy to spot for the owner.

Sentimental

behind Yuma High School football field 18 days ago

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Blue nylon dog harness with paw-print tag

Found a blue nylon dog harness this afternoon around 3:45pm behind the Walmart on 4th Avenue, near the Yuma Palms Shopping Center. It's a medium-sized harness with reflective blue stitching, and it has a small heart-shaped ID tag engraved 'Nova' dangling from the D-ring along with a paw-print charm on the buckle. The straps are a little muddy from the sidewalk, but the buckles click firmly and the fabric is in decent shape. This looks recently worn, and it's clear it belongs to someone who loves Nova—if this is yours, message me here and we can arrange a safe pickup near the theater entrance.

Yuma 29 days ago

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Sterling silver hoops with turquoise teardrops

I found a pair of earrings this afternoon around 2:20pm in the public parking lot behind the Yuma Civic Center on Main Street. They’re sterling silver hoop earrings with turquoise teardrop charms, about half an inch in diameter, and one hoop has a tiny initial 'JA' engraved on the inside. They show light wear, with a little tarnish on the metal and a faint scratch on the turquoise drop. If anyone recognizes them by the engraving or the stones, please reach out — I’d love to get them back to their owner.

Yuma about 1 month ago

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Framed abstract painting with copper sun charm

I found a framed abstract painting this afternoon around 2:15pm in the courtyard behind the Yuma Art Center on Main Street, tucked between the sculpture and a line of potted cacti. It’s acrylic on canvas, about 24 by 30 inches, with navy blues, teal greens, and gold accents. The black frame has a thin gold trim and there’s a tiny copper sun charm hanging from the bottom edge. On the back there’s a handwritten note that reads 'Gila Desert, 2016' and the bottom-right corner bears the artist’s signature 'V. Moreno.' The piece shows minor wear in the lower left corner, but overall it’s in good condition. If you recognize it, I’d love to help reunite the owner.

Yuma about 1 month ago

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Blue nylon dog harness with paw-print pattern

I found a blue nylon dog harness with a paw-print pattern this afternoon around 3:15pm behind the Walmart on 16th Street in Yuma. It’s a small size, adjustable, with a reflective stripe along the chest and a worn red tag that looks like it was written by hand. There’s also a tiny blue bell charm dangling from the clip that rattles when moved. It was just lying on the pavement near the bike racks, no leash attached, and I figured someone might be missing their pup’s gear. If you recognize it, email [email protected] to arrange pickup.

Yuma about 2 months ago