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

Helpful resources for Buffalo

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Buffalo

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Found handheld and console near Canalside, Buffalo

I was strolling the Canalside boardwalk on a sunny Saturday around 3:15 PM when I spotted a handheld gaming device resting on a bench and a second item—a console—tangled in a bag strap nearby. The screen flickered as I checked it, and the cables spilled out neatly. It looked recently dropped, maybe by someone taking a quick break for a snack or a photo by the waterfront. I slid the items into my bag for safekeeping and posted them here so the rightful owner can claim them through the site.

Canalside boardwalk, Buffalo waterfront about 1 hour ago

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Found Microwaves in Buffalo

I was walking past a thrift store on Elmwood Avenue at 3:42 p.m. when I spotted microwaves tucked beside a loading dock after a light drizzle. They looked recently left behind, one cord dangling and a dent in the metal, but otherwise clean. I checked the surrounding area and there weren’t any notes. I felt a jolt of relief imagining the owner might be nearby, rummaging through thrift aisles for a memory and a meal. I’m glad I could set these aside in case the owner returns; I hope whoever they belong to sees this and knows they’re found.

Elmwood Ave near Hertel Ave, Buffalo 1 day ago

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Found: Holiday decorations near Canalside, Buffalo

Yesterday around 4:30 p.m., I was walking along Canalside in Buffalo when I spotted a plastic tote tucked behind a bench near the skating rink. Inside were holiday decorations: a string of multicolored lights, several red and gold ornaments, a garland, a small wreath, and a folded table runner. It looked like someone was setting up a display for a small gathering and forgot the bag behind. I picked it up and kept it safe at a nearby security desk so the owner could claim it.

Sentimental

near Canalside skating rink, Canalside Park 13 days ago

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Found passport at Canalside, Buffalo

I was strolling the Canalside boardwalk by the Erie Canal in Buffalo around 4:15 p.m. this past Saturday when a blue passport peeked out from beneath a bench. The sun lit the water in a copper glow, and a breeze tossed the whistle of a nearby street performer as I picked it up. The cover looked a touch worn, edges curled, and the name inside was unfamiliar to me. I flipped to the photo page and saw no obvious contact details, just a stamp from a recent departure. I slipped the passport into my jacket pocket and brought it to the Canalside information desk, hoping the owner would see this and breathe a little easier. It felt right to do the small good.

near Buffalo City Hall 15 days ago

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Found leashes in Buffalo

I found two dog leashes outside a cafe on Main Street near Canalside in Buffalo around 6:30 p.m. yesterday. One leash is red nylon with a paw-print pattern and the other is black leather with a brass clasp; both are a bit worn but seem usable. The shop was busy with people walking dogs and kids on scooters, and it looked like someone just stepped away for a moment. I picked them up because they were clearly together, and I hoped their owner was nearby looking. If you’re missing these leashes, please check Canalside and the blocks around Main Street; you might spot them soon.

near Canalside, Erie Basin Marina 19 days ago

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FOUND: Hamsters near Canalside, Buffalo

I found these hamsters near Canalside on the Buffalo waterfront around 6:40 AM today. They were darting between a couple of picnic tables and a trash can near the Erie Canal sign. They looked scared but curious, noses twitching as I approached slowly. I scooped them into a safe spot on a bench and kept them safe while I posted this. One has a small white patch on the neck and the other is a darker gray; they seem tethered to each other. I felt a huge relief after realizing I could help reunite them with their owner.

Canalside promenade, Buffalo about 1 month ago