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

Helpful resources for Frederick

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Frederick

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Found medication near Baker Park, Frederick

I found medication on the sidewalk near the Baker Park gazebo along Carroll Creek Promenade this morning around 9:15 a.m. It was a small amber bottle with a white cap, tucked beside a bench after the morning crowd passed. I picked it up and kept it safe, thinking the owner would be worried sick by now. Medication can be critical, and I hope the owner sees this and can reclaim it soon.

behind the Baker Park gazebo, Carroll Creek Promenade 11 days ago

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Found: Carry-ons in Frederick

I found two carry-on bags behind the Frederick MARC Station near Carroll Creek Park around 2:30 p.m. on a Thursday. One bag is black with a scuffed wheel, the other is navy with a bright red tag. They looked understandably empty of obvious valuables, just clothing and a travel guide tucked under a strap. I’m sharing them here hoping the owner will see this and claim them in time for their trip.

near Carroll Creek Park, downtown Frederick 24 days ago

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Found sculptures near Carroll Creek Park, Frederick

I found these sculptures near Carroll Creek Park along Market Street in Frederick around 7:45 PM. They looked carefully crafted—metal figures, carved wood, and stone elements—clearly not something you’d expect to stumble upon. I picked them up and brought them to the Frederick City Hall lobby to be held for the owner. If these belong to someone in town, I hope this helps reunite them with the right person.

near Carroll Creek Park, Market Street, Frederick 2 months ago

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Found sheet music in Frederick

I found this sheet music tucked under a bench along Market Street near the Baker Park fountain around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3. A few pages were creased and there were pencil notes in the margins, like someone practicing for a recital. My heart did a little flip thinking about a student losing their work, and I tucked the bundle into my bag to keep it safe. If you recognize this collection of pieces or the handwriting on the top page, I hope you’ll see this listing and know it’s yours.

near the Baker Park fountain 3 months ago

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Found green budgie with blue-tipped tail

I found a small budgie this afternoon around 2:30pm near Carroll Creek Park behind the Frederick Visitor Center on East Street. It's a bright lime-green bird with blue-tipped wings and a white eye-ring, about 6 inches from beak to tail. It has a pale yellow chest and a sturdy, friendly chirp. It didn’t seem panicked, just curious, which makes me think it’s someone’s pet and not a stray. I’m keeping it safe in a breathable carrier in my car until we can reunite it with its owner.

Frederick 4 months ago

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Found pitbull/terrier mix dog

We found this pitbull/terrier mix today April 27th on the monocacy river trail behind Rockwell Brewery. Took him to the vet and he is not chipped, I will keep him here safely for now and hope to hear from his owner. My step daughter found him around 12-1:00 pm today. My number is 410-610-5842, text me pls.

Frederick 5 months ago