A lost and found (American English and Canadian English), lost property (British English), or lost articles (also Canadian English) is an office in a public building or area where people can go to retrieve lost articles that may have been found by others. Frequently found at museums, amusement parks and schools, a lost and found will typically be a clearly marked box or room in a location near the main entrance.
A technology start-up called Potea has created the only world-wide web-based lost and found property information business. Unlike the typical lost and found or lost property office, Potea crowd-sources found information and sells it to those who lost the property through its website http://www.potea.co.[1]
Some lost and found offices will try to contact the owners of any lost items if there are any personal identifiers available. Practically all will either sell, give or throw away items after a certain period has passed to clear their storage. Chicago-based Startup crowdfynd has provided an alternative that utilizes mobile, social and web interaction between businesses and event management teams and the customers who lose items.[2]