Lost violins in downtown Joplin, Missouri.
Description
I was packing up after rehearsal at the Joplin High School auditorium around 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday when I realized my two violins were missing. I retraced from the steps by Cunningham Park to the Joplin Public Library, asking anyone I met if they'd seen a brown hard case with two bows sticking out. One violin belonged to my grandmother; the other is my student instrument that still has my practice marks in the label. I’m hopeful someone nearby who remembers the concert on 6th Street and Main might recall seeing them in the hallway outside the community theatre. I’m holding onto hope they’re safe.
Approximate last-seen location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
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.