Black leather briefcase with brass clasp, found near The Commons
Description
I found a black leather briefcase this afternoon around 2:15pm outside the State Theatre on The Commons in Ithaca. It's a medium-sized case with a brass turn lock and a sturdy leather handle; the leather has a few light scratches and the bottom corner is a bit scuffed. Inside, the charcoal-gray lining has a small pocket with a yellow sticky note bearing the name 'Sophie Nguyen' and a faded coffee ring on a folder—clear signs it's been in use. On the exterior there's a bright green luggage tag with the initial 'S' and a tiny doodle of a coffee cup, which should help the owner spot it, and I figured someone might be worried about it, so I held onto it while I posted this.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.