Returning Lost Items - Bus
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Question
I work as a bus cleaner during late night shifts for a private company. I have a question regarding the laws of returning lost items. The company does not have an organized lost and found system. When a customer contacts the office and reports a specific item, I am told to look for it on a specific bus. Generally, I am told to place lost items in a room, but it seems nothing is done with them. My question is: what is required of me halachically when there is no name or details on the item? Can I take items for myself and use them? If so, which ones? Is there a difference between expensive and cheap items? Am I required to announce and publicize the lost items as a finder, or is it the company's responsibility? Where should I publish? Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello,
Regarding the obligation to announce: if there are personal details and it is an expensive and important item for people, you should contact the owner. If there are no details, you do not need to announce.
Regarding taking for yourself: cheap items, you can take. Expensive items, if they remain in the room for a long time and no one claims them, you may take.