This article concludes the Hashavas Aveidah series. We would like to dedicate it to a brief summary of the essential halachos discussed.

When a person finds an aveidah with a siman in a mostly Jewish area, there is a mitzvah to return it (C.M. 259:1-2).

The siman can be an identifying feature, precise location or quantity (C.M. 262:3).

The aveidah should be publicized in public locations, such as a shul, bulletin board, and community e-mail (C.M. 267:3).

If no one claims the aveidah, after a reasonable time the finder can record details of the item and its approximate value and then use or sell the item, provided that the item is a standard, replaceable one (Igros Moshe, C.M. 2:45d).

It is recommended that public places (shuls, yeshivos, stores, etc.) post a sign stating that items left beyond a certain time will become hefker and disposed of as seen fit (Igros Moshe, C.M. 2:45b).

Items found in a secure (or even semi-secure) area that may have been left there intentionally are best left there (C.M. 260:9-10).

The mitzvah of hashavas aveidah includes concern to protect the property of another from loss (C.M. 259:9).