There is no official policy on Lost & Found and local customs do not dictate a coherent or logical procedure either. What is a person to do? Do we apply the “finder’s keepers rule” or attempt to find the owner by some means? It is quite simple in my opinion but I am still surprised on how many people do not adhere to a policy or tradition format in their own experiences.
I believe in Karma and that belief influences the way I shape my personal policy when it comes to finding an item that has obviously been lost. So why is that people use such vague ethics to guide them in this process? I believe it is that they sometimes feel like they have been rightfully ordained . . . blessed with their new fortune. Heck, I may just be cynical but many people become opportunistic when they find something of value. So, what is a law-abiding good hearted citizen to do when the laws or etiquette do not establish a simple solution.
It is quite simple! Everything you lose and everything you find happens for a reason. This may seem hard to grasp at first but give me a second. I believe that in life you commit actions that you may have to pay for later or be rewarded for later. Did you steal a piece of candy when you were 10? May be you lost your school lunch money two weeks later or 2 years later. You see, I genuinely believe that you are rewarded/reprimanded for your actions in life.
As an adult though what do you do when you find an item? Easy . . . find the owner or at least try to find the owner. Step back for second and empathize with the individual. How would you feel in their situation? Would you want yourself to return that item? A normal human being would say yes. So, you should do what ever it takes to find that individual with reason. I do not mean to purchase billboards and buy up local tv commercial time. Instead you may want to post a notice on Craigslist or a local meeting area etc.
How long should I search you may ask? I recommend about 2 weeks to 1 month as reasonable. Most employers have established a policy of 2 weeks for any lost items to be held and then the person that does find them may claim them. If you took the reasonable steps to find the owner and after at least 2 weeks there was no success in reuniting the owner with the artifact then you may claim it. If you still feel uneasy or guilty then donate it. Please take your body’s signals as warnings and heed to their concerns.
I hope this helps some individuals with their own dilemmas on how to handle such a situation. Remember the golden rule and of course be practical about applying this solution. If you find money donate it or keep it. It may just be life rewarding you for a good deed that you fulfilled last week.
