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

Helpful resources for Rhode Island

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Rhode Island

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Found Canines near Waterplace Park, Providence

Tonight around 6:15 PM, I found two dogs wandering along the walkway near Waterplace Park in Providence. They looked well cared for: a larger tan lab mix wearing a light blue collar and a smaller wiry terrier with a red collar. They seemed not to be injured and were happy to have a human touch, so I kept them close and checked the surroundings for a tag. I brought the pair to a local shelter and waited with them, hoping the owner would see this post.

near Waterplace Park, Providence 1 day ago

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Found pocket watches in Rhode Island.

Yesterday at 3:40 p.m., I found a small leather case wedged between a bench and the railing by the Rhode Island State House steps. Inside were two antique pocket watches, their covers etched with initials and tiny scratches from years of use. I felt a mix of curiosity and responsibility, imagining the owner pacing the sidewalk elsewhere in Providence, hoping someone would turn these in. I took a moment to document what I found and turned the item into the local Lost and Found, hoping it will reach its rightful owner soon.

near the Rhode Island State House steps 10 days ago

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I found quilts near Providence Place Mall

Today I found two quilts in the Rhode Island area, near Providence Place Mall around 2:30 PM. One is a large patchwork with blues and creams, the other a pastel floral throw; both smell faintly of soap and rain. I wrapped them in a clean bag and kept them safe by the mall security area, hoping the owner would see this listing. If these belong to you, you’ll recognize the unique stitching and the way the colors blend when light hits the fabric.

behind Providence Place Mall near the escalator 26 days ago

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Found rabbits near Roger Williams Park, Providence

On Friday around 6:20 PM, I found a small pair of rabbits hopping along the hedge by Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island. They seemed frightened but curious, noses twitching as I approached slowly. It was clear they’d wandered away from a nearby home or enclosure, and I felt a pang thinking of the person who must be missing them. I kept them safe in a soft tote while I checked the area and posted a note around the neighborhood, hoping to reunite them with their owner through this site.

near Roger Williams Park, Providence about 1 month ago

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Found carry-ons near Providence Station, RI

I was grabbing a quick coffee before work when I spotted two carry-ons tucked behind a planter near the curb by Providence Station around 9:15 a.m. today. One is a black rolling suitcase and the other a navy soft-shell bag, both with travel stickers. There were no obvious IDs, so I left them on the information desk and hoped the owner would see this post.

Near the ticket counter at Providence Station 2 months ago

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Found paintings near Providence Station

On Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m., I found three paintings leaning against a trash bin near the south entrance of Providence Station in Providence, Rhode Island. The frames are a little worn, but the canvases show varied scenes—a rocky shoreline, a calm harbor, and a sunlit street corner—each one vibrant in its own way. The signature in the corner is faint, and there’s a sense they were dropped in a hurry by someone rushing to catch a train. I’m posting this here in the hope the rightful owner sees it and can claim them again.

Providence Station, south entrance 2 months ago