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

Helpful resources for Humboldt County

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Humboldt County

found A

FOUND: Sculptures in Humboldt County

I found these sculptures behind a vendor tent near Arcata Plaza around 6:45 PM on Friday. The pieces are metal, about two to three feet tall, with a rust-orange patina and glass accents that caught the streetlights. I was walking from the Redwood National and State Parks entrance toward the plaza when I spotted them tucked behind a crate at the edge of the sidewalk. They felt personal—like a small, private collection someone might miss after a pop-up show. I moved them to a sheltered bench nearby and waited a moment, hoping the owner would see this listing.

Sentimental

Near Arcata Plaza, Arcata about 16 hours ago

found J

Found violin near Arcata Plaza

I was wandering along the Eureka waterfront around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday when I spotted a violin case tucked behind a bench near the Arcata Plaza. The varnish looked a little dull from the mist, and the bow was still in its sleeve. I picked it up and checked inside, but there was no name. I'm posting here in case someone high and dry has lost a cherished instrument, and I hope to help reunite it with its owner.

Arcata Plaza, near the plaza steps about 20 hours ago

found M

Found flute near Arcata Plaza in Humboldt County

I was walking around Arcata Plaza last Saturday around 3:15 PM when I spotted a silver flute resting on a bench near the gazebo. The case was a touch scuffed, and the lip plate had faint initials carved into it, like J.S. I picked it up carefully, checked for any obvious personal notes, and carried it to the Humboldt County Library’s lost-and-found desk so it could be reunited with its owner. I’m posting this in hopes the rightful owner sees it and recognizes the markings and that worn case. It felt like a small, hopeful moment in a busy day.

Near the Arcata Plaza fountain 21 days ago

found E

Found photographs near Arcata Plaza, Humboldt County.

I found these photographs on Thursday, around 4:15 PM, tucked beneath a bench at the Arcata Plaza in Humboldt County. They look like a personal collection—an old portrait, a seaside shot, and a map with handwritten notes. I sat with them for a moment, feeling a tug of curiosity and responsibility, like I was holding a window into someone’s memories. I kept them safe, not wanting them to blow away in the coastal breeze, and I hope the owner recognizes them and is glad they’re not lost anymore.

Sentimental

Arcata Plaza bench 24 days ago

found C

Found toasters in Humboldt County, California

This morning around 9:15 a.m. I was wandering through Old Town Eureka and spotted two toasters resting on a bench outside a cafe on 2nd Street. They were clean and looked recently unused, with a little crumb of coffee still in the air. I figured someone must be missing them, so I picked them up and brought them here. If these belong to you, please reply through the site so we can arrange a proper return.

Old Town Eureka, near 2nd Street cafe 25 days ago

found A

Black Ray-Ban style sunglasses; initials engraved on temple

I found a pair of black Ray-Ban style sunglasses this afternoon around 2:30pm behind the Carson Mansion in Old Town Eureka, Humboldt County. They’re in decent shape, black plastic frames with a medium fit, and the lenses have a small scratch near the left corner. There’s a tiny engraving 'AK' on the inside of the right temple that could help verify ownership. I picked them up because I figured someone might be looking for them and they looked recently worn but cared for. If these belong to you, DM me with the brand and the engraving, plus when you last wore them.

Humboldt County about 2 months ago