Lost something in Costa Mesa? Here is who holds found property.
One report and we route it to the Costa Mesa Police Department, local transit and airport lost & found services, and the neighborhood channels where items turn up. Then we monitor the web automatically for matches.
What did you lose?
If there isn’t an adequate suggestion, select “Other – My item isn’t listed” and enter the item’s category. You can provide details later.
Publishing your report is free and your details stay private. The assisted search is a separate paid service, described in the Terms.
Recent activity
California : found property must be held by law enforcement for at least 90 days before it can pass to the finder, be auctioned or disposed of. (California Civil Code §2080.2)
Across the United States
- Wrislet clutch gray/silver bag with documents · Chicago, IL, October 8
- Ring TM on top · Greensboro, NC, October 8
- Keys · Sarasota, FL, October 8
- Keys · Brookline, MA, October 7
- Camera · Monterey, CA, October 7
Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.
How ReportLost works in Costa Mesa
You describe your lost item
Tell us what you lost, where and when, and any details that help identify it. We build a complete report with all the information that matters.
We route your report to the right places
We connect your loss with Costa Mesa Police, OCTA transit if applicable, John Wayne Airport if that's where it went missing, and we post alerts to the local social networks where Costa Mesa residents look for found items.
Automated web monitoring finds your match
For months afterward, our system scans local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, marketplace listings, and community posts looking for someone reporting they found something matching your description. The moment a credible match surfaces, you get an alert. You don't check every day, the web does it for you.
Where to report lost items in Costa Mesa
Here are the key channels. You can contact them directly, or let ReportLost do it for you.
Costa Mesa Police Department
The police non-emergency line takes lost and found reports. Have details ready: exact location, time, and description. We generate the exact information to include and route your report directly.
OCTA Bus Lost & Found
If you left something on an Orange County Transit Authority bus, OCTA manages a central lost & found. Wait at least one full business day before calling to check status. We tell you which line and when to contact them.
John Wayne Airport
Lost something at security, in the terminal, or in the parking area of Orange County's main airport? Airport Police runs the lost & found. Call them or visit the office. We help you describe the loss clearly for faster results.
Lost Pet in Costa Mesa
If your dog, cat, or other pet is missing, Costa Mesa Animal Control and local shelters like WAGS and OC Animal Care are your first contacts. They maintain databases of found animals and post on social networks. For a full priority lost pet experience with extended monitoring and alerts, file a priority lost pet report.
City Hall & General Services
City Hall can direct you to the right department for items lost in public spaces or municipal facilities. They're also a point of contact if you need help documenting your loss.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Getting ahead makes a real difference
The sooner you report a loss, the sooner local staff can flag your item if it comes in, and the sooner our automated monitoring begins. It only takes a few minutes to file a report, and once you do, the teams in Costa Mesa have everything they need.
Report my lost item →Costa Mesa is a busy hub where people lose things every day, at home, at work, in transit, or passing through John Wayne Airport. The challenge is that lost items scatter across separate systems: the police department takes a report, OCTA holds bus finds, the airport has its own lost & found, and meanwhile neighbors discover things and post on Facebook or Nextdoor without any way to connect back to you.
ReportLost removes that friction. Make one report, and we ensure all the right places know about your loss and stay alert. More importantly, we keep watching the web for you. Every day for months, we scan local groups and listings for posts from people who found something matching yours. You can breathe easy knowing the search is running in the background.
Common places where items are lost in Costa Mesa
These neighborhoods and public spaces see the most lost items. Report the exact location for better routing.
Downtown Costa Mesa & Fair Drive
The civic center and main thoroughfare where City Hall, Police, and municipal services cluster. Items lost here often come through official channels.
Costa Mesa Transit Hub
OCTA bus stops and connections throughout the city. Bus riders frequently leave phones, bags, and accessories behind.
Orange County Fairgrounds & Events
Major events and gatherings around the fairgrounds draw crowds and lead to lost wallets, keys, and personal items.
John Wayne Airport Area
Travelers moving through security, parking, and terminals regularly misplace items. Airport Police maintains a dedicated lost & found.
Shopping & Commercial Districts
Retail centers and restaurants throughout Costa Mesa are common places for lost phones, glasses, and bags.
Where Costa Mesa residents post found items
Our system monitors these channels daily so you don't have to.
Active Facebook group covering the wider OC area including Costa Mesa; residents post found items here regularly.
Facebook group focused on reuniting lost and found pets in Costa Mesa with their owners.
Reddit communities where locals ask for help locating lost items and share found belongings.
Neighborhood app where Costa Mesa residents post found items and lost alerts within specific areas.
Items occasionally listed in these platforms when found and sellers hope to reconnect with owners.
Frequently asked questions about lost items in Costa Mesa
How long does the police department hold lost items?
Costa Mesa Police typically hold lost and found items for a period before disposal, but contact them directly at (714) 754-5252 to confirm the exact holding period and retrieval process for your specific item.
Can I check if my item came in on OCTA without calling?
OCTA Lost & Found asks that you wait at least one full business day, then call (714) 560-5934 to check status. ReportLost handles the timing and the call details for you.
What if I lost something at John Wayne Airport?
Contact Airport Police Services at (949) 252-5140. They manage lost items in all airport areas including security, terminals, and public spaces. Have your flight information and a detailed description ready.
Is my pet considered a lost 'item' or handled differently?
Lost pets are handled separately by Costa Mesa Animal Control and local shelters like WAGS and OC Animal Care. These services are faster and more specialized. If you lose a pet, contact Animal Control at (714) 754-5311 immediately and consider filing a priority lost pet report with ReportLost for extended monitoring.
How long does ReportLost monitor for my item?
We scan the web for matches to your description across local and regional social channels, marketplaces, and community networks for up to 12 months, depending on your item. You receive alerts as soon as a credible match appears.
Is ReportLost.org affiliated with the police or an official city service?
ReportLost is an independent service. We are not part of Costa Mesa Police, OCTA, or the city government. We work alongside official channels to expand your chances of recovery by automating the reporting process and monitoring local and online communities on your behalf. You can still contact authorities directly if you prefer.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to report your loss?
The faster you get your item into the system, the faster Costa Mesa's services and local networks can begin looking for it. Make your report now and let ReportLost keep watch while you move on.
Start my report →ReportLost is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Costa Mesa Police Department, City of Costa Mesa, OCTA, John Wayne Airport, or any other entity mentioned on this page. We route your report to official channels and monitor public online sources; we do not replace official reporting or investigations. Always contact the relevant authority directly for emergencies or time-sensitive matters.