Lost something in Des Moines? We'll find it for you.
One report to us, and we handle the rest: we notify the Des Moines Police Department, Des Moines International Airport (if relevant), DART transit, and active community channels across Greater Des Moines. Plus, our system watches the web continuously for matches.
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 it works
You tell us what you lost
Fill out a quick report with details about your item, where you lost it in Des Moines, and when. We ask for the information that matters to police, transit workers, and lost and found staff.
We route it to the right places
Depending on where you lost it, we contact the appropriate office for you: the Police Department if it's on the street or in a business, DART if it's on a bus, Des Moines International Airport if you left it at the terminal, and all relevant local networks.
Our monitors scan for your item
We don't just file it and forget. Our system runs automated searches across the entire web, marketplaces, community Facebook groups, Reddit, Craigslist, and local channels for months, watching for posts that match your description, location, and timeframe. You get an alert the moment we find a credible match, so you're never playing catch-up.
Where to report a loss in Des Moines
Channels, contacts, and what ReportLost does on your behalf
Des Moines Police Department
If you've lost an item on the street, in a public space, or suspect theft, the Police Department accepts lost and found reports. For non-emergencies, call dispatch 24 hours a day. ReportLost generates a clear summary of your loss and points you to the right desk, so you're not repeating details.
DART Transit (Des Moines buses)
Left something on a DART bus? The system sends items to the transit office. ReportLost tells you exactly which route and stop to reference when you call, and we contact DART directly to flag your report so they know to look carefully.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Lost an item at the terminal, in a rental car, or on an aircraft? The Airport Authority runs a dedicated lost and found. File an online report directly, and ReportLost also escalates your case so the airport staff prioritizes it. Items are held for a set period before being donated.
City of Des Moines (Parks, public spaces, lost property)
City facilities, parks, and public buildings may hold lost items. City Hall can direct you to the right department or advise on how long items are kept. ReportLost includes City Hall in its alert network so your loss is logged with the city's general systems.
Lost pet? File a priority report
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet in or around Des Moines, contact the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (main location on the north side) or local animal control immediately. Time is critical for pets. ReportLost also posts your pet across local rescue networks and monitors daily community alerts. For urgent help, file a priority lost pet report with us right away.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
The sooner you report, the better
Items in lost and found systems are kept for a limited time before being discarded or donated. Reporting early ensures the Police Department, DART, the Airport, and local community members are all looking for your item. Once you've submitted your report to us, the automated monitoring begins immediately, and you can focus on other things while we watch.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Des Moines means calling the police non-emergency line, then checking DART's lost and found, then searching Facebook groups, Craigslist, and Reddit yourself, day after day. The city's systems don't talk to each other, and neither does the community noise online. ReportLost cuts through that fragmentation: one report, one point of contact, and automatic daily web monitoring that works while you sleep.
The advantage is real. Most lost items are recovered quickly if someone knows to look and what to look for. Our team ensures the right people are notified, the right description goes out to the community, and the web is scanned continuously for matches. You file once, and the search turns itself on.
Common places where items go missing in Des Moines
Know where to focus your search
Downtown Des Moines
The heart of the city, including the financial district, shops, restaurants, and the Des Moines Civic Center. Items lost here are often turned in to nearby businesses or police dispatch.
East Des Moines (Highland, Oak Park area)
Residential neighborhoods where walkers and cyclists frequently report lost items. Local community groups and residents often help return things found in parks and streets.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Terminals, security checkpoints, rental car facilities, and parking areas. The Airport Authority has a dedicated lost and found and holds items for several weeks.
Beaverdale and North Des Moines
Shopping districts and commercial areas where items are frequently mislaid. Shops and restaurants often keep found items at their registers for a short period.
Public transit hubs and DART bus stops
Lost items on buses and at transfer stations are collected by DART dispatch. Calling within 24 hours of your loss significantly improves recovery odds.
Community networks watching for lost items
ReportLost monitors these channels for you daily
Facebook group for lost and found animals in Greater Des Moines, heavily active with local residents
Facebook community focused on the West Des Moines area, quick alerts from neighbors
Reddit community for Des Moines news and lost items, moderated and responsive
City-wide lost and found marketplace, updated constantly by locals
Free statewide pet alert service, also watches Des Moines area closely
National pet alert network with active Des Moines coverage and shelter partnerships
Frequently asked questions
How long do police and DART hold lost items?
Practices vary. The Des Moines Police Department typically holds items for 30 to 90 days, depending on the item and circumstances. DART holds bus items at dispatch (928 S. 9th Street area) for a similar window. Always check as soon as possible; items found on streets or in open spaces may be discarded quickly. ReportLost ensures your report is filed immediately so the recovery window is maximized.
What if I lost something at Des Moines International Airport?
The Des Moines Airport Authority runs a dedicated Lost & Found at 2312 Frontage Road (open 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday). File a report on their website, and call (515) 256-5100 to follow up. Items are held for several weeks. ReportLost also files on your behalf and monitors their system.
How do I file a lost item report with DART?
Call DART Customer Service at (515) 283-8100 right away and provide the route number, time, and a description. Have your information ready. ReportLost prepares this for you and submits it directly, saving you the call if you prefer to let us handle it.
Do police in Des Moines accept lost and found reports by phone, or do I have to go in person?
For most non-emergency lost items, you can call dispatch at (515) 283-4811 and file a report. In-person reports to the main station (25 E. 1st Street) are also accepted. ReportLost can help you decide which method is best and prepare the details you'll need.
What about items lost in stores or restaurants across Des Moines?
Most businesses keep lost items at the front desk or lost and found for a short period, typically 30 days. Ask the manager or staff directly. If you believe an item was stolen, you can file a police report. ReportLost includes guidance on contacting specific businesses and alert notices on community channels so other shoppers know to watch for your item.
Is ReportLost.org an official city service, and does it replace reporting to the police?
No, ReportLost is an independent service not affiliated with the Des Moines Police Department, DART, the Airport, or the city. We complement official channels, not replace them. We file official reports on your behalf, monitor the web for matches, and keep you updated. You can also report directly to any of these agencies yourself. Think of us as the coordinator and the eyes that keep searching when you can't.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Here are the offices that take your report.
The first step is filling out your report. Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We'll handle the routing, the notifications, and the web monitoring. Your item has the best chance when the right people are looking for it, and that starts now.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent lost and found assistance service. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Des Moines Police Department, DART, Des Moines International Airport, the City of Des Moines, or any other government or private entity mentioned on this page. We file reports, coordinate notifications, and monitor public channels on your behalf, but we do not replace official lost and found procedures or law enforcement. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police inquiries, contact the Des Moines Police Department directly.