National City, CA

Lost something in National City? Here is where to report it.

File a single report and we notify the National City Police Department, MTS Transit, local businesses, and active community channels. Your report stays active, automatically matching against new found items so you don't have to search 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

996
reports filed
163
in California

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

Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.

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How It Works

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You report your loss

Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed and handle all the routing for you.

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We connect you to the right places

We send your report to the National City Police Department, MTS Lost & Found, local shelters (if a pet), and post alerts across social channels so the community can help.

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Your report keeps searching

For your entire search period, your report stays active and matches against new found items, marketplace listings, and community posts. We alert you the moment a credible match appears, so your search runs on autopilot.

Where to Report in National City

These are the official channels you can contact directly. With ReportLost, we handle the outreach for you.

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National City Police Department

The police keep records of lost and found items and can file a report on your behalf. We identify which precinct covers your loss location and ensure your details reach the right desk.

Call non-emergency dispatch|Visit their website

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MTS Transit Lost & Found

If you lost something on a local bus or during transit, MTS maintains a lost and found database. We notify them with the exact details they need and the timeframe you were riding.

Call MTS Lost & Found|Visit MTS website

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Local Businesses & Public Spaces

Lost something at a store, restaurant, or public venue in National City? Contact the business directly. If you need help figuring out which place to reach, we guide you through the next steps.

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Lost or Found a Pet?

If your pet is missing, notify National City Animal Control immediately and check local shelters. Community groups like 'LOST & FOUND PETS of NATIONAL CITY' on Facebook are also active for reunions. File a priority lost pet report with ReportLost to amplify your search across the network.

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San Diego International Airport (if applicable)

If you lost something at the airport terminal, the SAN Lost & Found office holds items for 90 days. They can be reached during business hours.

Call SAN Lost & Found|Visit SAN website

⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.

Ready to launch your search?

The sooner you file a report, the sooner our network swings into action. Once submitted, your report is in motion across all channels and stays active continuously.

Report my lost item →

In National City, lost items end up scattered across multiple channels, the police lost and found, transit authority databases, community Facebook groups, and local marketplaces. When you lose something, you're forced to juggle phone calls to different departments, manually scroll through posts, and hope you don't miss the window before items are discarded or sold. It's exhausting and the clock keeps ticking.

ReportLost simplifies everything. One report reaches everyone who matters, and your notice continues working for you automatically for months. We keep your item in the search conversation, continuously cross-referencing new found announcements, MTS reports, and community alerts, so you can breathe easy knowing the search is still active even when you're not.

View of National City, CA

Common Places Where Items Go Missing

National City residents lose items in these spots regularly.

Downtown & National City Boulevard Corridor

The central business and civic district is bustling with foot traffic. Items are frequently left at shops, restaurants, and government offices along this main stretch.

Plaza Boulevard & Retail Areas

Shopping centers and plazas see high turnover. Wallets, phones, and bags are often turned in to individual stores or security offices.

Public Transportation Stations & Bus Routes

MTS buses and transit stops are common loss points. Items left on board or at stops are best reported to MTS within 24 hours.

Parks & Recreation Areas

Community parks and recreational facilities sometimes hold found items. Check with park management or the city's Neighborhood Services office.

School & Community Centers

Educational institutions and community venues hold lost and found items at their main desks. Contact the facility directly if you lost something there.

Community & Social Channels

Active groups where locals post lost and found items.

LOST & FOUND PETS of NATIONAL CITY
Facebook community group for pet reunions
LOST AND FOUND ITEMS ONLY (San Diego County)
Facebook group for general lost and found postings
r/sandiego
Reddit community for San Diego region posts, including National City
Nextdoor
Hyperlocal neighborhood alerts and community help
PawBoost
Lost pet database and alerts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the National City Police Department hold lost items?

The police department typically holds items for a set period before disposal or donation. Contact the National City Police Department at (619) 336-4411 to confirm current retention times for your specific item type.

What happens if I lose something on an MTS bus?

Call MTS Lost & Found at (619) 595-4960 the day after your loss. Be ready with the bus route number, time, and description. Items are held for a limited time, so act quickly. ReportLost notifies them on your behalf.

Can I file a police report for a lost item?

Yes, you can file a report with the National City Police Department for valuable or important items. Visit them at 1200 National City Boulevard or call (619) 336-4411. A report creates an official record and can be helpful for insurance or identity theft concerns.

Where should I look if I lost a pet in National City?

Contact National City Animal Control immediately at (619) 336-4478. Also check the San Diego County Animal Shelter system at (619) 767-2675 and post in the 'LOST & FOUND PETS of NATIONAL CITY' Facebook group. The sooner you alert shelters, the better your chances.

How long does my ReportLost report stay active?

Your report remains active for your chosen search period, either 12 months. During that entire time, we continue matching your item description against new found posts, marketplace listings, and community alerts, and notify you immediately if a credible match surfaces.

Is ReportLost.org official, or does it replace the police?

ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside official channels. We are not the police or a government agency. Instead, we streamline the process by routing your report to the right authorities and community groups, and keep your search active in the background for months. You remain in control, and we help ensure your loss reaches everyone who can help.

Lost & found in nearby cities

Don't let your lost item slip away.

The moment you realize something's missing, start your report. We'll notify every relevant office and community channel in National City, and your search will stay alive for the full duration. Let us handle the legwork.

Start my report →

ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operating on behalf of the National City Police Department, MTS, the City of National City, San Diego International Airport, or any other government or private entity listed. We work to amplify your report across official channels and community networks, but are not a replacement for contacting these organizations directly. All contact information provided is from official public sources and is accurate as of the last update.