Lost an item in Dover? Report it once and let us handle the rest.
One report connects you with the Dover Police Department, City Hall, DART transit, and local community channels. We then monitor the web continuously for matches across marketplaces, social posts, and found announcements so you don't have to check 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
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 October 7, 2026.
How ReportLost works in Dover
You tell us what you lost
Describe your item, where you lost it in Dover, and when. We gather the details needed to alert the right authorities and community channels.
We route it to the right places
Your report reaches the Dover Police Department, City of Dover services, DART transit lost and found, and active local social groups. No more guessing who to call or which office to visit.
We search the web for you, automatically
Our system scans Facebook, community groups, marketplace listings, and local announcements continuously for 12 months. The moment a credible match appears, you get alerted. You never need to manually refresh pages or groups again.
Where to report a lost item in Dover
Each office below can help, but ReportLost coordinates the effort across all of them.
Dover Police Department
The non-emergency line can log your loss and guide you through filing a report. If your item was lost at a specific location or involves suspected theft, police records are essential. ReportLost determines which precinct covers your loss location and prepares the details you'll need when you contact them.
City of Dover
If you lost something in or near public buildings, parks, or city facilities, City Hall can direct you to the right department or provide details about where items are typically held. Customer Services can answer questions about timelines and procedures.
DART First State Transit
Lost something on a local bus or at a transit stop? DART maintains a centralized lost and found system for New Castle County. We generate the exact information DART needs to search their records for you.
DART lost and found (Kent/Sussex)|DART lost and found (New Castle)
Lost pets
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other animal in Dover, contact the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare immediately. Brandywine Valley SPCA in Dover holds animals picked up in the area. Time is critical for pet reunions. You can also file a priority lost pet report with ReportLost, and we'll monitor local pet rescue networks and social channels for sightings.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Start your search now
The sooner you report a loss, the sooner our system begins scanning for matches. Every day counts, and with ReportLost, the monitoring continues automatically in the background.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Dover can feel isolating, especially when you realize the police department, city hall, transit, and community groups all operate separately. You end up calling multiple numbers, posting in different Facebook groups, and refreshing Nextdoor for weeks, hoping someone found your item. There's no single place to report a loss that automatically connects all these channels.
ReportLost simplifies the entire process. File one report with us, and we immediately notify the Dover Police Department, City Hall, DART's lost and found team, and the local community networks that matter. But here's what sets us apart: we don't stop after the initial alert. We perform automated, ongoing searches across the entire internet for matches to your loss, checking Facebook groups, marketplace posts, and community announcements day after day. This means you can move forward with peace of mind, knowing a dedicated search is running in the background.
Common places people lose items in Dover
These neighborhoods and landmarks are where losses are frequently reported.
Downtown Dover / Loockerman Plaza
The heart of the city, with shops, restaurants, and government offices. High foot traffic means items are sometimes turned in at nearby City Hall or local businesses.
Dover Air Force Base vicinity
The base's operations and frequent traffic mean losses can occur along surrounding roads and in commercial areas near the entrance.
DART transit hubs and bus stops
Public transit is a common place to lose items. DART maintains a lost and found for items left on buses or at stations around Kent County.
Public parks and recreation areas
Parks throughout Dover see seasonal losses. Items left on benches, at parking lots, or in grassy areas are sometimes reported to City Parks or nearby police.
Retail and dining districts
Shopping centers and restaurant areas are frequent loss locations. Individual businesses keep items for short periods before discarding or donating them.
Community networks monitoring lost items
These groups are active in Delaware and Dover. ReportLost posts your report across multiple channels so you don't have to.
Active Facebook group for pet reunions across Delaware, including Dover.
The Delaware subreddit sometimes has lost and found posts and local advice.
Community-run Facebook group focused on reuniting lost animals with owners.
Neighborhood-level app where Dover residents post local lost and found notices.
Dover and Kent County groups where residents share local lost and found posts.
Common questions about losing items in Dover
How long does the Dover Police Department hold lost items?
The Dover Police Department's evidence and lost and found policies vary by item type and circumstances. Call their non-emergency line at 302-736-7111 to ask about retention periods for your specific item.
Where do I pick up a lost item after it's found?
It depends on where your item was found. If found at a DART bus or stop, contact DART. If found in a store or public area, check with that location first. The Dover Police non-emergency line can direct you. ReportLost helps clarify which office holds your item once it's reported.
How long does DART keep lost items?
DART's retention period typically ranges from 30 to 90 days depending on the item. Contact DART immediately after losing something on a bus or at a stop: Kent/Sussex Counties at 302-760-2800 or New Castle County at 800-652-3278.
Can I file a police report for a lost item in Dover?
Yes, you can file a report with the Dover Police Department, especially if you suspect theft or if the item is valuable. Call the non-emergency line at 302-736-7111 or visit their office at 400 S. Queen Street to discuss your options.
Does ReportLost replace calling the police or local offices?
ReportLost is an independent service that coordinates your report across police, city services, transit, and community channels, then monitors the web continuously for matches. We do not replace the police, but we simplify the process of notifying them and searching for your item simultaneously. For emergencies, always call 911.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to report your loss?
Filing a report with ReportLost takes just a few minutes. Once submitted, your information reaches the Dover Police, City services, DART, and local social networks. Then our system takes over, scanning for matches around the clock so you can focus on other things.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Dover Police Department, City of Dover, Delaware State Police, DART First State, Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, Brandywine Valley SPCA, or any other local government or municipal agency. We coordinate information on your behalf and perform automated monitoring, but you remain responsible for verifying any matches and following official procedures for item recovery. Always contact local authorities directly for urgent or emergency situations.