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

Helpful resources for Kansas City

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Kansas City

found A

Found carry-ons near Terminal B, Kansas City Airport

While walking the concourse this morning around 11:10 AM, I found two carry-ons abandoned near Terminal B at Kansas City International Airport. One is a black rolling suitcase with a red luggage tag; the other is a navy duffel bag with a small white patch. They look like they were left behind by a hurried traveler, and I picked them up to keep them safe until the owner can claim them. I’m posting here because I know how stressful it is to lose luggage on a trip. If these belong to you, please reach out through the site so we can reunite you with your bags.

Near Terminal B baggage claim, Kansas City International Airport 4 days ago

found G

Found kittens near Union Station, keeping them safe.

I was walking back from Union Station around 7:45 this morning when I found two kittens behind a dumpster near the loading dock. One was a gray kitten with white paws, the other a fluffy calico, and they were huddled together, eyes just opening. I fed them a little wet kitten food I had in my bag and kept them warm with a towel from my coat; they purred softly as I spoke to them. They look healthy and curious, though a bit hungry, and I am hoping the rightful owner sees this and can reclaim them soon.

near Union Station, downtown KC 8 days ago

found M

Found: Tank Accessories near Union Station

I was walking from the Crossroads toward Union Station around 7:45 am today when I spotted a small bag sitting on a bench by the station. Inside were tank accessories for an aquarium—a heater, a filter cartridge, a few suction cups, and a compact LED light. They looked reasonably new, just dusty from the morning air. I could tell someone was likely on their way to a hobbyist meetup and had set them down for a moment. I brought the items to the Lost & Found desk and posted here so the owner, if nearby, might see it soon.

near Union Station 27 days ago

found A

Found holiday decorations in Kansas City

While strolling near Union Station in downtown Kansas City this afternoon, I found a box of holiday decorations abandoned on a bench around 2:30 p.m. It’s a jumble of garlands, a string of lights, red ribbons, and a tiny lantern. I picked it up, thinking someone must be frantically searching for it, and I tucked it under my arm for safekeeping. It felt good to help someone out, even if I don’t know who it belongs to yet.

Near Union Station, Downtown KC 2 months ago

found A

Found hand tools near Union Station

I was tidying up the garage near Westport when I spotted a metal toolbox tucked behind a paint shelf. Around 4:30 pm Friday, I found it by Union Station in Kansas City, with a handful of hand tools spilled onto the concrete. Inside was a claw hammer, a yellow tape measure, and several screwdrivers with red handles, a bit dusty and well-used. It looked like someone had hurried off and left them behind. I’ve kept the toolbox safe here and will hold onto it until the owner names it. If this sounds like yours, please confirm through the site.

near Union Station 2 months ago

found J

Found Belts in Kansas City, MO

Today around 9:07 a.m., I found a belt behind a vendor stall in the City Market area of downtown Kansas City. It’s a brown leather belt with a brass buckle, a bit worn but still sturdy. I pictured the owner rushing between the bakery stalls and the fountain, searching for something they’ve misplaced, and felt a responsibility to reunite it with them. I’m keeping it safe here until the owner claims it, and I hope the rightful owner is reading this.

City Market, downtown Kansas City near 5th Street 3 months ago