If you find a lost ring in a Connecticut park, stumble across an old coin on the beach, or spot a forgotten wallet on a sidewalk, does “finders keepers” mean you really get to keep it? In Connecticut, the answer depends on what you found, where you found it, and what you do to find the original owner. Here’s a clear guide to what the law really says about lost, found, and abandoned property in the Nutmeg State.
Lost, Mislaid, or Abandoned: What’s the Difference?
Connecticut law divides found property into three main types:
- Lost Property: This is something the owner accidentally lost—like dropping cash in a parking lot or losing a ring at the park. If you find something valuable (especially $1 or more), Connecticut law says you must report it to the local police or city/town clerk. The police will try to find the owner and hold the item for a set period (usually 6 months). If nobody claims it, you may get to keep it.
- Mislaid Property: If someone put their property down intentionally and forgot it (like a phone left on a store counter), the law says it belongs to the owner of the premises. You should turn it in to the business or property owner, not keep it.
- Abandoned Property: If it’s clear the owner meant to give it up (like a couch left on the curb), “finders keepers” can apply. But be sure it’s truly abandoned—taking something not meant to be discarded can be considered theft.
What If You Find Treasure, Artifacts, or Old Valuables?
Connecticut is an old state, and you might dream of finding a colonial coin or an arrowhead. But here’s what the law says:
- Artifacts and Archaeological Finds: Anything of historical or archaeological value (often over 100 years old) found on public land is protected by law. You cannot keep or sell these items—they must be reported to the state or local authorities. Taking historic objects from public land is illegal.
- Treasure Trove or Hidden Caches: Connecticut does not have a specific “treasure trove” law. If you find valuable items on private land, you and the landowner need to work out who keeps what. On public land, valuables generally belong to the government or landowner.
Found Money, Jewelry, or Valuables in Public Places
If you find something valuable (worth $1 or more) in a public place, Connecticut law says you must report it to the police or city clerk. If the owner doesn’t claim it within the statutory holding period, it may be awarded to you as the finder. Not reporting it can count as larceny or theft.
On private property (like a store), the item belongs to the property owner, not the finder.
What If the Owner Shows Up Later?
Even after you’ve been awarded the property, the original owner can sometimes reclaim it if they can prove ownership and it’s within the legal time limit. After that, the finder’s rights are usually secure.
Private Land: Get Permission and Make Agreements
If you’re metal detecting or searching on private property, you must have the owner’s permission. Any valuable finds are usually split by agreement, but you should work this out in advance. For especially old or historic items, the law may still require reporting to the state.
Quick Tips: “Finders Keepers” in Connecticut
- Report valuable finds to police or the city/town clerk as soon as possible.
- Turn mislaid items over to the business or property owner.
- Do not remove or keep artifacts or historic items from public land—they’re protected by law.
- Work out find-splitting agreements with property owners on private land.
- Be honest—keeping found items without reporting them is illegal.
- When in doubt, ask local officials or police for advice.
Final Thoughts: Doing the Right Thing Pays Off
While “finders keepers” sounds simple, Connecticut’s real law is about honesty and fairness. Report lost property, respect history, and communicate clearly with property owners. That’s how you keep your finds—and your good reputation—safe in the Nutmeg State.
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