Lost something in El Cajon? Report it once and let us handle the rest.
One report connects your loss to the El Cajon Police Department, local transit services, and active community channels. We then monitor the web continuously, checking marketplaces, social groups, and lost & found databases across San Diego County 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 July 14, 2026.
How ReportLost works in El Cajon
You file your report
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather all the details needed and double-check that your description will resonate with people who find items.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes directly to the El Cajon Police Department, San Diego MTS (if it's transit-related), the San Diego Humane Society (for pets), and relevant local lost & found channels. No runaround, no duplicate calls.
Automated monitoring finds your item
For months afterward, our system scans the entire public web, including Craigslist, Facebook groups, PawBoost, community pages, and local marketplaces. The moment a credible match appears, we alert you. You don't have to check every day.
Where to report a lost item in El Cajon
Below are the key places to file directly. ReportLost coordinates with them all, so you can file once with us instead of calling each office separately.
El Cajon Police Department
The police maintain records of lost and found property and can help determine where your item was likely turned in. You can also file a lost property report online or by phone. We identify the correct precinct and report type for your situation.
San Diego MTS (Transit Lost & Found)
If you left an item on a local bus, trolley, or light rail, MTS maintains a central lost and found. Call with details about the route, time, and description. We can help you prepare the exact information to include when you call.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If your loss occurred at the airport or you're picking up a recovered item there, SAN's lost & found office is open daily. The office is in the terminal building, and staff can search by description and date.
City Hall & Public Works
Items found in public spaces, parks, or city facilities are sometimes held at City Hall or the Public Works office. General city inquiries can be directed here, and staff can point you to the appropriate department.
Lost Pets
If your pet is missing, the San Diego Humane Society's El Cajon location holds found animals and maintains searchable databases. Call their lost pet hotline or check their online listings regularly. For a faster, more coordinated search covering local shelters and social networks, file a priority lost pet report.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Ready to get started?
The sooner you file, the sooner our monitoring team starts watching the web on your behalf. Filing takes just a few minutes.
Report my lost item →Losing something in El Cajon can feel scattered. The police have a lost property process, MTS handles transit items separately, animal shelters manage pets, and dozens of Facebook groups and community boards operate independently. Figuring out who to contact, what to say, and where to follow up is exhausting and often fruitless.
ReportLost simplifies this. File once, and we notify all the right channels on your behalf and monitor the web continuously on your behalf. Whether you left your phone on a bus, misplaced a wallet downtown, or lost a pet, our system watches local listings, social networks, and recovery databases so you don't have to refresh them hourly. Once your report is in, you can breathe easier while we work in the background.
Common places to lose items in El Cajon
Tell us the neighborhood or landmark, and we'll know exactly where to focus our search.
Downtown El Cajon & Civic Center
Around City Hall, police headquarters, and local shops. Items are often turned in to nearby businesses or the city.
El Cajon Transit Center
MTS hub where buses and trolleys stop. Lost items on vehicles are logged at the central lost & found.
Parkway Plaza & Shopping Districts
Retail areas where wallets, phones, and bags are frequently found and turned in to store management.
Residential & Neighborhood Streets
Items lost while walking, moving, or in yards. Local community groups and neighbors often post finds on social media.
Local community channels
El Cajon residents actively use social networks to report found items. We scan these channels for you.
Facebook group for missing and found pets
Community members post found items daily
Items for sale and found goods are listed here
Dedicated database and alerts for lost and found pets
Reddit community for greater San Diego area posts
Frequently asked questions
How long does the El Cajon Police Department hold lost property?
The El Cajon Police Department holds lost items for a standard period before they may be auctioned or disposed of. Contact the department at 619-579-3311 to ask about the retention policy and check on your specific item.
What should I do if I lost something on an MTS bus or trolley?
Call MTS Lost & Found at 619-233-3004. Have the route number, approximate time, and a detailed description ready. Items are typically held for a set period. ReportLost can help you organize this information and ensure the report reaches MTS.
Can I search the San Diego Humane Society's found pet database online?
Yes, you can search the Humane Society's database at sdhumane.org and on PawBoost. You can also call their lost pet hotline at 619-299-7012. ReportLost ensures your missing pet is listed across multiple platforms automatically.
If I lost an item at San Diego International Airport, where do I go?
SAN's Lost & Found office is located in the terminal and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 619-400-2140 with your description and approximate date. If the item was in a specific location (security, airline gate, baggage claim), mention that when you call.
How do I post in local El Cajon Facebook lost & found groups?
Search Facebook for groups like 'Lost Cats & Lost Dogs in El Cajon' or broader San Diego County lost & found communities. Most groups allow you to post photos, a clear description, and contact info. ReportLost can draft your post and monitor responses for you.
Is ReportLost.org official? Does it replace calling the police?
ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside official channels, not a replacement. We're not the police, but we make sure your report reaches them and all relevant local services on your behalf. Our strength is coordinating across multiple departments and monitoring the web continuously for matches. Filing with us does not substitute for an official police report if your item was stolen.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Don't let your lost item slip away
The first step is simple: tell us what you lost and where. We'll take it from there, routing your report to the police, transit authority, shelters, and community networks, then watching for matches while you move on with your day.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the El Cajon Police Department, San Diego MTS, the San Diego Humane Society, San Diego International Airport, the City of El Cajon, or any other government or private entity listed on this page. We coordinate with these organizations on your behalf and monitor public channels; we are not their official lost & found service. For emergencies, always call 911. For official reports, you may also contact the relevant agencies directly.