Lost something in Riverside? Report it and we'll track it down.
One report reaches the Riverside Police Department, Riverside Transit Agency, local lost pet networks, and every marketplace and social channel where found items show up. We monitor continuously so you don't have to.
🔍Recently reported lost items in Riverside – updated this September 3, 2026
- 📍 Navy blue backpack lost near Jones Park, September 1.
- 📍 Small shoulder bag lost near First Aid, August 30.
- 📍 Polaroid camera lost near Mathew Gage Canal Park, August 30.
How ReportLost Works in Riverside
You file your report
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We generate a detailed description ready to send to every relevant office in Riverside.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes directly to Riverside Police, RTA Transit Lost & Found, the Animal Shelter if it's a pet, and all active local channels. No more bouncing between phone numbers.
Automated monitoring finds your match
For months after your report, we scan Facebook, Nextdoor, Craigslist, OfferUp, local Reddit threads, and every public post in the Riverside area. When someone posts "found," we cross-check location, description, and timing. The moment a credible match appears, you get an alert.
Where Things Get Lost in Riverside, and What to Do
Below are the main places and services you need to know about. ReportLost handles the legwork so you can focus on the good news when we find it.
Riverside Police Department
If you've lost something at a business, in a public place, or during an incident, the Police Department keeps lost property in their unit. You can file a report online or by phone. We'll generate the exact details to include and tell you which precinct covers your loss location.
File online report|Get my property info|Non-emergency dispatch
Riverside Transit Agency (RTA)
Left something on a bus? RTA's Lost and Found office is at 1825 Third Street and is staffed Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call them directly or fill out their form online. We can point you to the exact submission form and make sure your description matches what they need.
Riverside City Hall & Public Services
Lost something at a city facility, park, or public space? City Hall can direct you to the right department and often holds found items. They're open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 3900 Main Street. Call 311 or the main line for routing.
Lost & Found Pets
If you've lost a cat, dog, or other pet, contact the Riverside County Department of Animal Services immediately. They're open Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Post on local pet groups and Petco Love Lost as well. Ready to take action? File a priority lost pet report with us and we'll amplify the alert.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated info on this page? Let us know, we fix it fast.
Found something worth acting on? Every hour counts.
The sooner you report your loss, the faster our system starts watching. Most items are found and claimed within the first few days, and we'll be monitoring from the moment you hit send.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Riverside can feel like you're on your own. The police take reports, RTA has its own lost and found at the Third Street office, animal shelters operate on their own schedule, and Facebook groups are full of found items you have to scroll through yourself every single day. Each system works independently, and nothing talks to anything else.
ReportLost simplifies the whole process. File once, and we handle the routing, the phone calls, the follow-ups, and the continuous watching. While you go about your day, our system is actively scanning every marketplace, every local group, and every public channel in Riverside for posts matching your item. You won't miss a "found" post because we're already matching it against your report automatically.

Common places to lose things in Riverside
These are hotspots where we often see lost items reported.
Downtown & Mission Inn District
High foot traffic around the historic Mission Inn, restaurants, and shops. Items often left at cafes, parking lots, and public walkways.
Riverside Plaza & Shopping Centers
Major retail areas where belongings are frequently misplaced in stores, fitting rooms, parking areas, and food courts.
UCR Campus (University of California, Riverside)
Student areas, libraries, dining halls, and campus transit. A lot of personal items, IDs, and electronics go missing during semester.
RTA Bus Routes & Transit Stops
Phones, wallets, backpacks, and bags left on buses or at major transit hubs throughout the city.
Riverside Parks & Recreation Areas
Items lost at parks, sports facilities, and public green spaces, especially during events and weekends.
Riverside's active local channels
These groups and communities help reunite people with lost items. We monitor them all automatically for you.
Public group for lost items, pets, and people
Dedicated pet alert community
Local subreddit where found items get posted
Focused on reuniting pets with families
Neighborhood-level lost & found alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will Riverside Police hold my lost property?
The Riverside Police Property Unit holds found property according to California law, typically for 90 days or more depending on the item and circumstances. Contact the Property Unit at (951) 353-7650 to check if your item has been turned in and to schedule a pickup.
What should I do if I lost something on an RTA bus?
Call RTA's Lost and Found at (951) 565-5000 immediately, or fill out their online form. They're open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Describe your item clearly and mention the bus route and time. RTA recommends calling as soon as possible since items are held for a limited period.
How do I report a lost pet in Riverside?
Contact the Riverside County Department of Animal Services at (951) 358-7387 (PETS) right away. Post on PawBoost, Petco Love Lost, and local Facebook groups like "Lost Pets Riverside CA." The faster you alert the community, the better your chances of recovery. ReportLost can amplify your pet alert across all channels.
Can I file a lost item report with Riverside City Hall?
City Hall doesn't centralize lost and found reports, but they can direct you to the right department depending on where you lost the item (a park, city facility, etc.). Call City Hall at (951) 826-5311 or use the 311 app. For items lost on public property, the Police Department is typically your starting point.
What if I lost something at a private business or restaurant?
Contact the business directly first. If they don't have your item and you suspect it may have been taken, you can file a police report at the Riverside Police Department's online form. We'll help you craft a description and alert local Facebook groups and Nextdoor so community members can keep an eye out.
Is ReportLost.org official, or does it replace the police?
ReportLost is an independent service, not affiliated with the Riverside Police Department or any government agency. We don't replace filing a police report, but we complement it. We handle the routing, follow-ups, and continuous monitoring across local channels so you don't have to. Many users file a police report and use ReportLost simultaneously for complete coverage.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to find it?
The sooner you report, the sooner we start watching. Every marketplace, every group, every social channel in Riverside will be monitored on your behalf. You've done your part by reporting—now let us do ours.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Riverside Police Department, Riverside Transit Agency, Riverside County Department of Animal Services, City of Riverside, or any government or municipal agency. We are not a replacement for filing an official police report or contacting local services directly. Our role is to help route your report, coordinate notifications, and monitor public channels for matches. All information provided here is based on publicly available contact information and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Please verify current hours and procedures with the relevant agencies before visiting or calling.