Lost something in San Diego? Report it once and we'll handle the rest.
One report connects you with San Diego Police, the airport, transit, and the right local channels. Then we scan the web continuously so you don't have to.
🔍Recently reported lost items in San Diego – updated this July 19, 2026
- 📍 Insulin pouch lost near Mount Brundage Park, July 13.
- 📍 Umbrella lost near Handlery Hotel San Diego, July 18.
- 📍 Wallet with ID lost near Mission Bay Athletic Area, July 17.
How ReportLost works in San Diego
You report your loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed for the right authorities and channels in San Diego.
We route it to the right places
We contact the appropriate division of San Diego Police, the Port Authority, San Diego International Airport, MTS Transit, or other relevant services based on your loss location.
Automated monitoring finds matches for you
Our system scans Facebook groups, Reddit, Nextdoor, marketplace listings, and local channels daily for 6 to 12 months, hunting for posts about found items matching your description. You get an alert the moment a credible match appears, so you're never manually refreshing websites again.
Where lost items go in San Diego
Each channel has its own process. ReportLost handles notifying them and watching for matches.
San Diego Police Department
Items found on city streets or in public spaces typically end up with SDPD. You can file a non-emergency report by phone or visit in person. We identify the right division for your loss location and make sure the report reaches the correct desk.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Lost something at the airport, in the terminal, or on a plane? SAN's Lost & Found office is on the East side of Terminal 2, lower level. Items are held for a set period. We ensure your report reaches them with all the details they need to track down your item.
MTS Transit (Bus & Trolley)
Left something on an MTS bus or trolley? Call their Lost & Found line or stop by the main office. We'll submit your description and check status so you don't have to follow up repeatedly.
Port of San Diego & Harbor Areas
Lost an item at the waterfront, harbor, or Port facilities? The Port Authority maintains a lost and found for items reported in public port areas. We connect you with them and keep track of the search.
SDSU Campus Lost & Found
Lost something on the San Diego State University campus? The University Police Property & Evidence Unit and Information Desk handle campus lost and found. We make sure your report reaches the right office.
Lost Pet
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet in San Diego County, the San Diego Humane Society and county animal services are your first stop. Time matters, and local Facebook groups help spread the word fast. File a priority lost pet report with ReportLost and we'll monitor shelter databases and pet networks continuously.
San Diego Humane Society Lost & Found|Text LOST to 858-726-5678
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated info on this page? Let us know, we fix it fast.
Ready to search smarter?
The sooner you file, the sooner we begin monitoring all the places your item might show up. Every hour counts, but you're not alone in the search.
Report my lost item →San Diego spreads across neighborhoods from the beaches to inland suburbs, and losing something means navigating separate lost and found systems: the police department, the airport, the transit authority, plus scattered Facebook groups and Nextdoor posts. Without a coordinated effort, items sit unclaimed or you exhaust yourself checking every group daily.
ReportLost simplifies the whole process. File one report with us, and we take the legwork off your hands, alerting the relevant San Diego services and vigilantly scanning the internet so that if your item turns up anywhere public, you're among the first to know.
Lost items in San Diego neighborhoods
Where you lost it matters. We direct your report to the right service.
Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter
High foot traffic near shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Items often reported to SDPD Central or picked up by business owners.
Mission Beach & Pacific Beach
Beach zones where wallets, keys, and phones vanish into the sand or are turned in at lifeguard stations and local businesses.
North County (Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas)
Coastal and inland areas served by different police jurisdictions and local lost and found networks.
Old Town San Diego
Busy historic district with its own transit center, shops, and restaurants. Items routed through SDPD or business lost and found.
Airport & Harbor
SAN International and Port facilities have dedicated lost and found offices with specific hold periods.
San Diego's local lost & found networks
People post found items on these channels. ReportLost monitors them for you.
Questions about losing and finding items in San Diego
How long does SDPD hold lost and found items?
San Diego Police typically hold unclaimed items for a limited period before they're disposed of or donated. Contact SDPD Central (619-744-9500) or the relevant division to ask about your specific item. ReportLost includes this in the initial report so nothing slips through.
How long does the airport hold lost items?
SAN International Airport's Lost & Found holds items for a set period (check their office for exact timeline by calling 619-400-2140). We ensure your report is filed promptly so your item isn't released or donated before you claim it.
What do I do if I lost something on an MTS bus or trolley?
Call MTS Lost & Found at 619-233-3004 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) with details about the route, time, and description. ReportLost submits this information for you and follows up.
Can I search for my lost pet online?
Yes. The San Diego Humane Society operates a searchable lost and found pet database, and Pawboost lets you post and search. Local Facebook groups like 'Lost and Found Pets San Diego County' are also active. ReportLost monitors all these channels continuously for you.
How does ReportLost monitor the web for my item?
We run automated searches across Facebook groups, Nextdoor, Craigslist, OfferUp, and other public marketplaces using your item's description, location, and date. If a credible match appears, we alert you immediately. You don't have to refresh any sites or groups yourself.
Is ReportLost.org an official City of San Diego service?
No. ReportLost is an independent service that partners with and notifies official channels like San Diego Police, transit authorities, and the airport. We are not part of any government agency, but we streamline the process of getting your report to them and keep watch for matches while you focus on moving forward.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Let us find it for you.
File your report today and let ReportLost monitor every corner of San Diego's lost and found ecosystem. Once you submit, the searching happens automatically.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service not affiliated with the City of San Diego, San Diego Police Department, San Diego International Airport, MTS, San Diego Humane Society, or any other government or private entity mentioned. We notify these organizations on your behalf and monitor public channels for matches, but we do not operate their lost and found systems. For official inquiries or claims, contact the relevant entity directly using the phone numbers and links provided.