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

Helpful resources for Monroe

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Monroe

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Found devices in Monroe

I found a device on Monday at 4:20 pm behind the Monroe County Library, tucked under a bench along the River Raisin trail. It’s a silver smartphone with a cracked screen in a blue case; there wasn’t any obvious ID taped to the back, so I kept it safe in a small zip bag while I waited to post here. I know how it feels to lose something important, so I’m hoping the rightful owner will see this and claim it. I’m in downtown Monroe and can verify basic details through the site if needed.

by the River Raisin, downtown Monroe 3 days ago

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Found guitars near Monroe City Hall.

I was walking home after a quick stop at the library around 4:15 pm on Saturday when I spotted two guitars resting on a bench by Monroe City Hall. They were in a worn black gig bag, one with a bright red strap peeking out, the other with a blue strap showing from a second bag. The area was quiet, a light drizzle in the air and a couple of pigeons by the fountain. It looked like someone had paused for a moment and forgot them. I picked them up and brought them to the local lost-and-found on Main Street, hoping the owner would recognize the instruments. It felt good to help reunite a musician with their gear.

by Monroe City Hall, Riverfront Park 3 days ago

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Found hats near Monroe Courthouse Square, Monroe

I found a pair of hats this morning around 11:20 AM near the Monroe Courthouse Square on Monroe Street in Monroe, Michigan. One is a navy felt fedora and the other a gray knit beanie with a small patch; they looked recently worn and probably belong to someone who was out running errands or grabbing coffee. I picked them up and left them near the coffee shop window, hoping the owner would recognize them and come by. If these are yours, please check the posting and contact through the site so we can get them back where they belong.

Monroe Courthouse Square, Monroe, MI about 1 month ago

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FOUND: Silver studs near River Raisin, Monroe

At 7:15 pm on Saturday, while walking behind the Monroe Public Library in Monroe, Michigan, United States, I found a small pair of silver studs on the sidewalk near the River Raisin. They shimmered under the street lamps and looked recently dropped. I pictured someone searching their purse and realizing they'd lost them, maybe before a big night out. I picked them up and left them with the library desk at Monroe Public Library, hoping the owner would see this listing. It felt nice to do something small that could help someone feel whole again.

near Monroe Public Library, downtown Monroe about 1 month ago

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Found sports equipment in Monroe, MI

I was walking my dog near the Monroe Public Library steps around 5:15 p.m. on Saturday when a tote and several gear bags tucked beneath a bench came into view. Inside were equipment for various sports: a scuffed soccer ball, a pair of worn tennis rackets, a bright volleyball, and a gym bag stamped with a school logo. It looked like something a youth team would carry after practice at Sterling State Park, and my heart sank thinking someone would be missing it. I left the gear by the library entrance, hoping the rightful owner would recognize it and claim it soon.

near Monroe Public Library entrance 2 months ago

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FOUND Holiday Decorations in Monroe

Hi, I’m Jonah Reed. I found a bundle of holiday decorations outside downtown Monroe near the River Raisin on Tuesday around 7:45 PM. There was a mix of garlands, ribbons, and a small glittery wreath spilling from a tote. I tucked the items behind a storefront and kept watch for a bit, hoping the owner would come by. The decorations look new and likely meant for a home or a small event. If these belong to you, please reach out through the site and tell me what was in the bag or where you usually store them. I’d love to see them back with you.

near downtown Monroe Riverfront Park 3 months ago