Found violin in black case with blue bow ribbon
Description
I found a full-size violin in a black soft-case this morning around 10:15am near the Market Street pedestrian bridge at Riverside Park along the La Crosse River. The violin has a warm amber finish with a few light scratches along the chin rest and a tiny scuff on the back. The bow hair looks good, but the frog has a bright blue ribbon tied around it, and there's a small sticker inside the lid—a cartoon sailboat with the name Maya written underneath. The case is a bit scuffed on the outside but all latches work. It feels like this instrument matters to someone who probably had a rehearsal or lesson—hope to get it back to its owner.
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.