Lost belts near Capitol Square, Madison
Description
I lost belts around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, near Capitol Square in Madison, after ducking into a coffee cart on West Main Street for a quick refill. It's a brown leather belt with a brass buckle and a small scratch near the buckle. I've worn it every day for years, and it feels like a piece of my routine is missing when it's gone. I walked the sidewalks along State Street and checked the benches by the farmers market stalls, hoping someone found it and kept it safe. If it turns up near the fountain by the Capitol steps, that would be a relief; it's more than just an accessory, it's got a lot of my memories attached to it.
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.