Lost something in Merced? Here is who to contact.
One report and we route it to the Merced Police Department, the Merced Transit Authority, UC Merced Police, and active local social channels. We then scan the web continuously for matches across marketplaces and community posts, so you don't have to check every day.
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 Merced
You report the loss
Tell us what you lost, when, and where in Merced. We gather the details needed to alert the right local services and social channels.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes straight to the Merced Police Department's Property and Evidence division, Merced Transit if applicable, UC Merced Police if on campus, and gets posted to active Merced lost and found community groups.
Automated monitoring finds matches for you
For the next 12 months, we scan Facebook groups, Nextdoor, local marketplaces, and other public web sources for posts matching your item's description, location, and timeline. You get an alert as soon as a credible match appears, so you never miss a lead.
Where to report a lost item in Merced
Quick reference for Merced's main lost and found channels. ReportLost handles coordination and follow-up so you don't have to contact each one separately.
Merced Police Department
The city police maintain a Property and Evidence division for lost and found items. You can report in person or by phone, and we make sure your report gets to the right desk.
Police Department main line|Non-emergency dispatch|Property & Evidence
Merced Transit Authority (The Bus)
If you left your item on a public bus, contact the Merced Transit Authority's Lost and Found. Items are held at the Operations and Maintenance Facility. We tell you which number to call and what details to provide.
UC Merced Police Department
Lost something on campus? UC Merced Police runs its own Lost and Found at the Police Department on North Lake Road, open weekdays 8am to 5pm. Items are held for up to 90 days. We ensure campus losses are reported to the right office.
Merced Regional Airport
Lost an item at the airport? Contact the Airport Administration Office during business hours. We know where to direct your inquiry so nothing falls through the cracks.
Lost pet
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet in Merced, contact the Merced County Animal Shelter in nearby Atwater immediately. They can help with search coordination and post your missing pet. For faster, broader alerts across Merced County communities, file a priority lost pet report with ReportLost.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Ready to report?
The sooner you submit a report, the sooner we start monitoring Merced's online channels and local services for your item. Once you file with us, our team takes it from there, leaving you free to breathe easy.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Merced means juggling calls to the Police Department, the Transit Authority if you lost it on a bus, UC Merced Police if you were on campus, and scrolling through scattered Facebook groups and Nextdoor posts. Each agency holds items for different lengths of time, and checking every channel yourself every day is exhausting.
ReportLost simplifies the entire process. Submit one report, and we notify all the right places at once, then keep watch on the web for you. Our automated system stays alert for months, matching your item against found posts across Merced's online communities, so you can focus on your day instead of refreshing your browser.
Common places people lose items in Merced
These neighborhoods and districts see frequent losses. Let us know your specific location, and we'll alert the right local services.
Downtown Merced
The city center around 18th Street and Main Street, with shops, restaurants, and public facilities where wallets, phones, and keys often go missing.
UC Merced Campus
The university campus north of town, where items are lost in dorms, libraries, dining halls, and outdoor spaces. UC Merced Police maintains its own Lost and Found.
Merced Transit Hub
Bus stops and the transit center where items are left on vehicles or at stations. The Bus Lost and Found handles these claims.
Merced Regional Airport
The airport terminal and parking areas where travelers lose luggage, documents, and personal items during arrival and departure.
Atwater
The nearby community just north of Merced, home to the Merced County Animal Shelter and local businesses where lost items may be turned in.
Merced lost and found on social media
Local Facebook groups and community networks where found items are often posted. ReportLost monitors these channels for you.
Active Facebook group for lost and found items and pets across Merced County.
Facebook group dedicated to lost and found pets in the Merced area.
Subreddit where Merced residents post about missing items and pets.
Neighborhood app where Merced residents share lost and found posts locally.
Official page where police may post about found items and community alerts.
Frequently asked questions about lost items in Merced
How long does Merced Police hold lost items?
The Merced Police Department's Property and Evidence division holds items as evidence or found property according to city policy. Contact them at (209) 388-7841 to check the status of a specific item.
How long does the Merced Transit Authority hold lost items on the bus?
Items found on Merced Transit buses are held at the Operations and Maintenance Facility. You can inquire by calling (209) 725-3813 during service hours (weekdays 6:30am-10:30pm, weekends 7:30am-5:30pm).
How long does UC Merced Police hold lost items?
UC Merced Police holds found items for a maximum of 90 days. After that, unclaimed items may be disposed of or sold at auction. Contact them at (209) 228-2767 during weekday hours (8am-5pm) to check on your item.
Where do I pick up a lost item once it's been found?
Pickup location depends on where it was found. For city police items, visit or call the Police Department. For bus items, collect them at the Transit Authority's Operations and Maintenance Facility. For campus items, go to UC Merced Police on North Lake Road. We'll provide exact directions once your item is located.
Can I file a report for something I lost weeks ago?
Yes. Even if time has passed, filing a report with ReportLost activates our ongoing web monitoring for months, increasing the chance of a match. Items are sometimes found and posted later, so it's worth reporting now.
Is ReportLost.org an official city service or run by the Merced Police Department?
No. ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside local police, transit, and community channels. We are not part of the city or police department, but we coordinate directly with them and monitor public lost and found posts to help reunite people with their items.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Don't let your lost item fade away
Every hour you wait, a found item sits unclaimed somewhere, or a post about it slides deeper into social media. Filing a report now puts your item on the radar of local services and our automated monitoring team, which will keep searching for months. Start the process today, and let us handle the rest.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Merced Police Department, City of Merced, Merced Transit Authority, UC Merced Police, Merced Regional Airport, or Merced County Animal Shelter. We coordinate with these organizations to route reports and monitor public channels. Always contact local police or relevant agencies directly for emergencies or legal matters.