Lost something in National City? Report it once, and let us handle the rest.
One report routes your loss to the National City Police Department, local bus lost & found, San Diego airport services, and active community channels. Your report stays active and keeps searching for a match for the full duration of your plan.
🔍Recently reported lost items in National City – updated this July 18, 2026
- 📍 Action figure lost near Palomar Street, July 12.
- 📍 Navy blue backpack lost near Sunset Park, July 13.
- 📍 Camera lost near Star Park, July 16.
How ReportLost works in National City
You report your loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details that matter most to help reunite you with your item.
We route it to the right places
Your report reaches the National City Police Department's Property and Evidence Unit, MTS transit lost & found, San Diego International Airport if applicable, and all the community groups and social channels where locals post found items.
Your report keeps searching
While you get on with your day, your report remains active and automatically matches against new found item posts, community announcements, and marketplace listings. You'll get an alert the moment a credible match appears, so you never have to manually check sites and groups yourself.
Where lost items go in National City
Know your options, but let us do the legwork.
National City Police Department
The National City Police holds lost and found items at their Property and Evidence Unit. They accept lost property reports and can advise on items found in public spaces or on city property. Call their non-emergency line to file a report or check on an item you think they may have. We'll tell you exactly what to say and which extension to reach the right desk.
Police non-emergency (619) 336-4411|Property & Evidence Unit (619) 336-4447
MTS Transit Lost & Found
If you left something on an MTS bus in National City, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System keeps a centralized lost and found for all routes. Items are held and available for retrieval during business hours. We'll provide you the exact information to file your report and track your item's status.
San Diego International Airport
If your loss occurred at San Diego International Airport (SAN) or you left something on a flight, the airport's Lost & Found office holds items for 90 days. They're open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We'll connect you to the right team so you know exactly how to proceed.
City Hall & Community Services
National City's Neighborhood Services and City Hall can help with items lost in public buildings or on city property, and they often connect with local found item reports. We point you to the right office and ensure your case gets proper attention.
Lost or Found a Pet?
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet in National City, National City Animal Control works with the San Diego Humane Society and the County Animal Services network. They house stray and lost animals, and community members actively post in local pet recovery groups. If your pet is missing, file a priority lost pet report so we route it to every shelter and community channel in the region.
National City Animal Control (619) 336-4478|San Diego Humane Society (619) 299-7012
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated info on this page? Let us know, we fix it fast.
Ready to make your loss count?
The sooner you file a report, the sooner it starts circulating through the right channels and matching against community posts. National City's lost & found system works, but only if you're connected to each part. We do that connection for you.
Report my lost item →Losing something in National City can feel scattered. Your item might end up with the police, on an MTS bus, at a local business, or in a community member's hands. Each place has its own system, its own phone number, its own hours. You'd need to call the police non-emergency line, then MTS, then search Facebook groups, then check Nextdoor. By the time you've made those calls, a day or two has already passed.
ReportLost does all that routing for you in one go. We tell you exactly which precinct to contact, we generate the right information for each channel, and most importantly, we don't let your report go quiet. It stays active and cross-checks new found items and community posts continuously, so you don't have to spend days refreshing pages. Once you've reported with us, the network is working on your behalf.
Common places where items are lost in National City
Know the hotspots, but don't assume your item won't turn up elsewhere.
Downtown National City & National City Boulevard
The heart of town, with shops, offices, and City Hall. Lost items often end up with local businesses or the police.
Plaza Boulevard & Commercial District
Busy retail and dining area where wallets, phones, and bags are frequently turned in by store staff or security.
MTS Bus Routes & Transit Stations
If you lost something on a bus or at a transit stop, the MTS system covers your item within 24 hours of reporting.
Public Parks & Recreation Areas
Neighborhood parks and open spaces where items are often reported to city services or found by other residents.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If your loss occurred during travel, SAN's 90-day hold gives you time to recover items from terminals or airlines.
Community channels where National City posts found items
We alert these groups on your behalf.
Facebook group for local pet losses and found animals
Facebook group for general lost and found items in the area
Nextdoor and hyper-local neighborhood networks
Reddit discussions where locals post found items and lost pet alerts
Questions about lost items in National City
How long does the National City Police hold lost property?
The Police Department holds most lost items for a standard period before disposal. It's important to report your loss within the first few days and follow up with them directly at (619) 336-4447 (Property & Evidence Unit) to confirm they have your item and arrange pickup.
What happens if I lost something on an MTS bus?
Call MTS Lost & Found at (619) 233-3004 with a description of your item, the route number, and the approximate time and date. Items are held at a central facility. MTS is open for inquiries during business hours, and we'll make sure your report reaches them quickly.
Can I report a loss at San Diego International Airport if I'm no longer there?
Yes. Call the SAN Lost & Found office at (619) 400-2140 during their daily hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Provide your flight information or location details, and they'll search their system. Items are held for 90 days.
Where should I go to pick up a found item in National City?
It depends on where it was found. If the police have it, you'll retrieve it from the station at 1200 National City Boulevard. If it's an MTS item, you'll pick it up from their facility. We'll guide you to the right location once a match is confirmed.
How does ReportLost help if I've already called the police?
Even if you've called the police, ReportLost amplifies your reach. We ensure your report also circulates to MTS, community groups on Facebook and Nextdoor, local shelters (if it's a pet), and other relevant channels. Your report stays active and automatically matches against new found items posted online, so you're not just waiting for a callback.
Is ReportLost.org official or affiliated with the National City Police?
ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside official agencies like the National City Police, not on their behalf. We don't replace calling the police or official lost & found offices, but we do the coordination and long-term matching for you. Think of us as the service that keeps your report alive and searching even after you've filed the initial report with each agency.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Your report can start working right now
Don't let your lost item fade into the background. One report with ReportLost reaches all the right people and channels in National City, and stays active to match against community posts and found item announcements for months. The sooner you report, the sooner the search begins.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the National City Police Department, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), San Diego International Airport, the San Diego Humane Society, or the City of National City. We provide a coordination and matching service to help connect lost items with found item reports and official agencies. Always file a report with the relevant authority directly if your loss is urgent or involves a crime. Our service complements, not replaces, official channels.