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

Helpful resources for Pullman / Moscow

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Pullman / Moscow

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Found coins near WSU Library

I walked across College Hill by the WSU library on a chilly afternoon around 2:15 p.m. and found a loose handful of coins scattered near the library entrance. There were quarters, pennies, and a small commemorative coin that caught the light. I gathered them up and looked for any ID, but there was nothing to identify the owner. I’m posting this hoping to help someone recover a small piece of their day that was dropped in a hurry on campus.

WSU Library steps, College Hill about 19 hours ago

found D

Hamsters found in tote outside campus store

I was walking along Main Street outside the campus bookstore when I spotted a small plastic carrier tucked inside a striped tote bag. Two hamsters were squeaking frantically, looking panicked but curious. I scooped them up and kept them safe around 3:15 PM today, hoping to reunite them with their owner. One hamster is golden-brown and fluffy; the other is gray with a white belly. They seem well cared for, just shaken from being left behind, and I’ve kept them warm and hydrated while I figure out the next steps.

Outside the campus bookstore on Main Street, Moscow 18 days ago

found L

Found: Equipment for Various Sports in the Palouse

I was walking back to my car around 7:20 p.m. last Friday, outside the WSU Recreation Center in Pullman when I spotted a black duffel stuffed with sports gear. Inside were a basketball, two tennis rackets, a rolled-up yoga mat, and a few worn cones with a faded team logo. There wasn’t anyone around, so I picked it up and dropped it off at the campus lost-and-found to help it find its owner. I know how frustrating it is to lose gear before a game, and I hope this helps someone reunite with their stuff.

WSU Recreation Center, Pullman campus about 1 month ago

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Found desk organizers near WSU campus, Pullman

I found these desk organizers this morning around 9:15 on College Avenue outside the WSU Bookstore in Pullman. They’re translucent blue with a tangle of papers wedged in the compartments, a couple of pens still tucked in the lid. They look like they were used to corral a student’s notes between back-to-back classes and maybe a late-night cram session. If you’re missing a set of organizers somewhere near campus, this might be yours, and I’m hoping to reunite you with them.

Sentimental

Near the WSU Bookstore, College Ave about 1 month ago

found D

Found radios on Main Street, Pullman.

I found Radios this morning around 10:45 a.m., on Main Street in Pullman, near the WSU campus bus stop by Beasley Coliseum. They’re three compact units in a grey plastic case with a worn strap, all powered off and harmless. I picked them up and kept them with me, figuring the owner would notice they’re missing by now. If this helps, I’m posting them here so the rightful owner can claim them through the site.

Main Street near Beasley Coliseum, Pullman about 2 months ago

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Black tuxedo jacket with satin lapels found

Found this afternoon around 3:15pm outside the Moscow Public Library on Main Street. It’s a black Hugo Boss tuxedo jacket, size 40R, with satin lapels and a slim, tailored cut. Inside, there’s a small silver tag in the left pocket and an embroidered crest on the lining near the chest—really distinctive. The jacket has a few wrinkles from being folded in a bag but is otherwise clean and seems well cared for. If you recognize these details, reach out and we’ll sort out getting it back to its owner.

Pullman / Moscow about 2 months ago