Lost something in Elsmere? Here is who to contact.
One report to the Elsmere Police Department, local transit channels, and Delaware animal services. Your report stays active, continuously searching for a match so you don't have to.
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 Elsmere
You tell us what's missing
Describe your lost wallet, ring, phone, or other item in detail. We capture the specifics: where you lost it, when, and what it looks like. No back-and-forth emails or confusing forms.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes directly to the Elsmere Police Department, DART transit lost & found if relevant, Delaware animal services for pets, and social channels where locals post found items. We handle the legwork so you don't have to call each place separately.
Your report keeps searching
For the full duration of your search period (12 months), your report automatically crosses new posts, marketplace listings, and found-item reports against your description. We alert you the moment a credible match appears, so your item isn't sitting in a lost & found office while you're still searching.
Where to report a lost item in Elsmere
Direct channels and how ReportLost bridges them all
Elsmere Police Department
The Elsmere Police Department handles lost and found reports for items lost around town. File a report in person or by phone. We generate the exact details to include in your report and let you know the quickest way to reach the right officer.
DART Transit Lost & Found
If your item was lost on a DART bus or at a transit stop in New Castle County, DART's lost and found holds items for a limited time. We can tell you the right number to call and what details DART will need to locate your item.
Town of Elsmere
Elsmere Town Hall may hold items lost in public spaces or direct you to the right department. We can help you know exactly where your report should go and what information to have ready.
Lost Pets
If your cat, dog, or other pet is missing, time matters. Delaware's official lost and found pet system, plus local animal welfare and rescue groups, are your fastest path to reunion. Post immediately to community channels and shelters. Want a seamless, priority process? File a priority lost pet report
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Start your report today
The sooner you report, the sooner the search begins. Once your report is live, your item is in the system for months, and you can breathe easy knowing we're checking new posts and turning up matches while you go about your day.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Elsmere can feel chaotic. Your wallet disappears on Main Street, a ring slips off at a local shop, or your pet wanders out of the neighborhood—and suddenly you're juggling calls to the police, checking Facebook groups, phoning DART, and refreshing shelters' websites every day. Each office keeps their own records, and pieces of the puzzle stay scattered.
ReportLost brings it all together in one place. File a single, detailed report and we connect it to the Elsmere Police Department, transit lost & found, animal welfare channels, and the community pages where locals post found items. Best part: your report doesn't expire after a week or go cold. It stays active and keeps searching for a match for months, cross-checking new posts and listings automatically so you can focus on other things.
Common places people lose items in Elsmere
Knowing where to search helps, but your report reaches all of them
Downtown Elsmere & Main Street
Shopping, dining, and everyday errands. Wallets and phones slip away in stores and parking lots here.
DART Bus Stops & Transit Hubs
Items left on buses, at shelters, or at transit centers often cycle through the lost & found within days. Quick reporting helps.
Residential & Neighborhood Streets
Pets wander, keys drop, packages go missing. Community groups and local eyes are crucial here.
Parks & Recreation Areas
Rings slip off during walks, phones fall from pockets. Parks offices sometimes hold items briefly.
Community channels where lost items turn up
We post your report to these groups so local people can help
Active Facebook group for reuniting missing pets across Delaware, including Elsmere area.
Delaware subreddit where residents post lost items, sightings, and community help.
Local neighborhood app where lost and found posts get fast, hyper-local visibility.
Found items often appear here; we make sure your lost item description is searchable.
Frequently asked questions about lost items in Elsmere
How long does the Elsmere Police Department hold lost items?
Items held by the police are typically kept for a set period before disposal. Check with the Elsmere Police Department at (302) 998-1173 for specifics on their retention timeline.
How do I check DART's lost and found if I lost something on the bus?
Call DART Lost & Found at (800) 652-3278, Option 2 (New Castle County). Have details about your item and the route/stop ready. Items are held for a limited time, so report as soon as you realize it's missing.
Where should I report a lost pet in Elsmere?
Contact Delaware's Office of Animal Welfare at (302) 255-4646 and post immediately on Delaware Lost and Found Pets on Facebook. Check Petco Love Lost and PawBoost as well. The faster you report, the better your chances.
Can I file a lost item report online with the Elsmere Police?
The best approach is to call (302) 998-1173 or visit in person at 11 Poplar Avenue. ReportLost can help you prepare the details and guide you through the process.
What if my item is found after a few weeks?
Many places (police, transit, businesses) eventually donate or discard unclaimed items. That's why your ReportLost report stays active for months, continuously checking new posts and marketplace listings so items don't slip through.
Is ReportLost.org official, or does it replace the police report?
ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside official channels. We help you file a report with the Elsmere Police Department, DART, and other local services, and we keep your search active longer by monitoring community posts and listings. You still report to the police, but we make sure your item stays in the search loop for months.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to find your lost item?
The first step is the easiest. Describe what you lost, where, and when, and we'll take it from there, connecting your report to every place that matters in Elsmere and keeping the search alive for months.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Elsmere Police Department, DART, the Town of Elsmere, Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, or any other local entity listed on this page. We work to connect your report to these official channels and active community groups, but we do not speak on their behalf nor guarantee recovery. Always contact local authorities directly for urgent or emergency situations.