Lost something in Santa Cruz? We'll report it to the right places and search for it continuously.
One report reaches the Santa Cruz Police Property Division, UCSC Police, METRO Transit, the Animal Shelter, and local community channels. We then scan the web daily for matches across marketplaces, social posts, and neighborhood groups, so you don't have to check manually for months.
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 July 13, 2026.
How ReportLost Works in Santa Cruz
You tell us what you lost
Describe your item, where and when you last had it, and any identifying details. We collect exactly what the Santa Cruz Police, UCSC Police, and transit agencies need.
We route it to every relevant office
Your report goes to the SCPD Property Division (which operates Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30–2:30 PM), UCSC Police, METRO Customer Service, Santa Cruz Animal Shelter if it's a pet, and active local community channels. You get confirmation of where it was filed.
We monitor the web for your item automatically
Our system searches public posts, marketplace listings, and local group posts every day for weeks or months. The moment someone posts "found" with matching details, you get an alert. No need to refresh Facebook groups or Reddit daily.
Where to Report Lost Items in Santa Cruz
Below are the main channels to file a report. ReportLost handles routing and ongoing monitoring so you don't have to.
Santa Cruz Police Property Division
The city's main lost and found office processes reports for items lost anywhere in Santa Cruz. They hold property and can confirm whether your item has been turned in. Hours are limited, and they recommend calling or emailing in advance.
UCSC Police Lost and Found
If you lost something on campus or in a UCSC building or shuttle, the university police handle it separately. They're open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM. We ensure your report is filed with the right campus office so it reaches the lost and found desk.
METRO Transit Lost and Found
Lost something on a METRO bus or shuttle? METRO's Customer Service holds items and processes claims Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. We submit your report directly so they have your details when they receive your item.
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (Lost Pets)
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet, the County Animal Shelter at Rodriguez Street handles all lost pet reports in the area. They're open seven days a week, 11 AM–6 PM. We connect your report to shelter staff, local pet databases, and the active "Lost Dogs & Pets of Santa Cruz County" Facebook community. file a priority lost pet report.
Nearby Airports
If your item was lost at an airport, the closest major facility is San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), about 1.5 hours north. Each airline also has its own baggage claim process. We point you to the right airport lost and found office and ensure the claim is filed correctly.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Start Your Report Now
The sooner you file, the sooner our search begins. Once we have your details, the monitoring runs automatically—no daily checking required.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Santa Cruz—whether at the beach, on a METRO bus, at UCSC, or downtown—means dealing with at least three separate agencies and hoping someone posts your item in the right Facebook group. The police, the university, the transit authority, and the animal shelter all maintain their own records and hours, and there's no easy way to track all of them at once.
ReportLost simplifies that chaos. One report goes everywhere it needs to go, and we do the legwork of checking the web every single day so you can focus on other things. If your lost item turns up anywhere online, we'll tell you about it immediately.
Common Places People Lose Items in Santa Cruz
From the boardwalk to downtown to campus, these are neighborhoods and zones where reports are most common.
The Boardwalk & Beach
Items left on the sand, in the arcade, or on rides are common here. METRO buses also serve the area, so reports often go to both transit and city police.
Downtown (Pacific Avenue & Center Street)
Phones, wallets, and keys lost while shopping or dining. This is where many items end up with local merchants or at the police property desk.
UCSC Campus
Backpacks, laptops, and personal items left in libraries, dining halls, or student centers. UCSC Police maintain their own lost and found separate from city police.
METRO Transit Stations & Buses
Items forgotten on buses or at downtown transit stops. METRO's system processes these independently, and we file directly with their customer service team.
Capitola Village
Just south of Santa Cruz, this popular beachside shopping area sees its share of lost items. Reports may go to either Santa Cruz or Capitola police depending on the exact location.
Active Community Channels
Santa Cruz residents actively post found items and ask for leads in these groups. We monitor all of them automatically.
Community group dedicated to reuniting people with lost items.
Large neighborhood group where lost and found posts circulate daily.
Focused on missing and found animals across the county.
Local subreddit where residents post lost item alerts and responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the Santa Cruz Police hold lost property?
The Police Property Division's exact retention policy is not publicly detailed online. Contact them at scpdproperty@santacruzca.gov or (831) 420-5900 to confirm how long they hold items. Some agencies hold items for 30–90 days, but verify directly to be safe.
What are the hours for reporting a lost item to SCPD?
The Property Division operates Tuesday and Thursday, 12:30 PM–2:30 PM at 809 Center Street. You can also call or email outside these hours, though you won't reach someone in person. ReportLost files your report immediately so it's in the system before you call.
How long does METRO hold lost items?
METRO does not specify a public retention period. Call their Customer Service at (831) 425-8600 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM) as soon as possible to check if your item is there. We submit your report to them immediately so it's logged and searchable by their staff.
If I lost a pet, how quickly should I report it?
Immediately. Call the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at (831) 454-7203 and also post in the "Lost Dogs & Pets of Santa Cruz County" Facebook group and r/santacruz. ReportLost submits your pet report to the shelter and monitors community posts 24/7 so nothing is missed.
Do I need to file a report with ReportLost if I already called the police?
You can do either. If you've already called SCPD or UCSC Police, that's a good start. ReportLost adds continuous web monitoring and ensures your report reaches all relevant offices (transit, animal shelter, community groups) so you don't have to. We save you the repetitive checking.
Is ReportLost.org an official service or part of the Santa Cruz Police?
ReportLost is an independent service, not affiliated with any government agency. We're not the police or the city, but we route your report to them and monitor public channels on your behalf. We complement the official channels—you still have direct contact info to follow up with each office.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to Find Your Lost Item?
The sooner your report is filed and monitoring begins, the better your chances. Take a few minutes now to describe what you lost, and we'll handle the rest while you go about your day.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Santa Cruz Police Department, UCSC Police, METRO, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, or the City of Santa Cruz. We route your report to official channels and monitor public sources on your behalf. Links provided are to official government and transit agency websites. Always verify current hours and contact information directly with each agency.