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

Helpful resources for Birmingham

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Birmingham

found P

Silver Seiko watch with blue dial

I found a silver Seiko watch this afternoon around 2:15pm on Broad Street near the Library of Birmingham. It’s a 40mm stainless steel case with a blue dial, white hour markers, and a date window at 3. The bracelet is brushed metal with a fold-over clasp, and there’s a small scratch on the bezel near 2 o’clock. On the back there are initials engraved, 'AJ'. It seems in decent condition overall, and I’d love to see it go back to its owner. If this sounds like yours, message me and we can work out a safe meetup around the Library or near Bullring once I’m free later today.

Birmingham about 2 months ago

found P

Black Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones near Library of Birmingham

I found a pair of black Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones this afternoon around 4pm outside the Library of Birmingham, near Centenary Square. They're in good condition, with the matte finish showing only light scuffs on the headband. The right earcup has a small sticker with faded initials 'JH' and a bright blue USB-C cable poking out of the navy zip case. The case itself is slim, with a subtle chevron pattern along the edge. They clearly belong to someone who was in town for meetings or events. If you’ve lost them, I’d like to help get them back to you—just drop a note with distinguishing details.

Birmingham about 2 months ago

found P

Grey dwarf hamster found near Bullring, Birmingham

Found a small grey dwarf hamster this afternoon around 3:45pm outside the Bullring shopping centre on High Street in Birmingham. It was in a small blue plastic travel cage with a loose wheel and a water bottle, but the door was open and it looked a bit panicked. The fur is mostly grey with a tiny white patch on its right flank, and there's a small notch on its left ear—features that could help identify a missing pet. There was no collar or microchip visible. If this is your hamster, please get in touch; I’d love to reunite it with its owner.

Birmingham 3 months ago

found P

Tan Coach wallet found near Bullring, Birmingham

Found a tan Coach bi-fold wallet this morning around 11:15am on Corporation Street, just outside the Bullring in Birmingham. The leather is smooth with a little creasing, and it has a small gold Coach logo on the front. Inside there’s burgundy lining, a few loyalty cards, and a tiny photo of a dog tucked into a slot. There’s an embossing 'P.D.' on the inner flap. If someone’s missing it, I’d love to help reunite it with you.

Birmingham 3 months ago

found P

Black-and-white border collie mix found near Bullring

I found a medium-sized black-and-white border collie mix this afternoon around 4pm wandering near the Bullring Shopping Centre on Exchange Square, Birmingham. It wears a red nylon collar with a blue heart-shaped tag that reads 'Milo'. The dog has a small scar on its left hind leg and a white patch on its chest that forms a narrow V. He seems friendly but a little anxious, and he sticks close when I spoke to him. I know how stressful it is when a dog goes missing in the city, and I’d love to get him home to his people. If anyone recognizes him, please email me at [email protected] so we can arrange a safe meetup.

Birmingham 3 months ago

found A

Found red knit scarf with snowflake pattern

I found a bright red knit scarf with white snowflakes this afternoon around 2:15pm, lying on a bench outside the Library of Birmingham on Broad Street. It's a mid-length scarf, about 180 cm long, in soft acrylic with a snug ribbed edge. There's a tiny embroidered snowflake near the left end and a small silver heart charm sewn into the label—really gives it a unique touch. The scarf looks new and it obviously belonged to someone trying to stay warm this winter; if the owner is around, I'd love to reunite it with you.

Birmingham 3 months ago