Lost something in DeKalb? Here is who to contact.
File one report and we route it to the DeKalb Police Department, City of DeKalb services, local transit, the airport, and active community channels. Your report stays active, so you don't have to check everywhere yourself 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
Illinois : the holding period depends on value: six months for items under $100, one year above. (765 ILCS 1020)
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 DeKalb
You Report Your Loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed to reach the right people in DeKalb, from the police desk to transit staff to shelter workers.
We Route It to the Right Places
Your report goes directly to the DeKalb Police Department, City of DeKalb lost and found services, and relevant local channels. No runaround, no wondering who to call.
Your Report Keeps Searching
While you go about your day, your report stays active and searches for a match across local announcements, community posts, and found items listings. We alert you the moment a credible match appears, so you're not refreshing Facebook groups or transit sites every morning.
Where to Report a Lost Item in DeKalb
Here's who holds lost items locally. We'll file with them for you, but here's what you should know about each.
DeKalb Police Department
The police accept reports of lost or stolen items and maintain a lost and found. Their non-emergency line can help you file or search their database. We'll submit your report directly so you don't have to make the call yourself.
City of DeKalb Lost and Found
The City maintains a centralized lost and found office at City Hall. Items turned in to various city departments are logged here. We'll generate the exact information needed and route your report to the right desk.
Connect Transit Lost and Found
Left something on a Connect Transit bus? Their lost and found is located at their main facility in Normal, and items are held for a period during business hours. We know the right contact and email to use so your report gets logged correctly.
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
If you left something at the airport, report it to the airport's administration office. Items are held during their daily hours. We'll point you to the exact department so your report reaches the right counter.
Lost Pets and Animals
If you've lost a pet, contact Tails Humane Society, where they manage a lost and found pet database and can advise you on local search efforts. DeKalb County also has active lost pet groups on social media. When a pet goes missing, every hour counts, so file a priority lost pet report with us immediately and we'll alert the right animal services and community networks right away.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Don't Lose More Time
The sooner you file, the sooner your report can start searching. Take five minutes now to describe your loss, and we'll take it from there.
Report my lost item →Losing something in DeKalb can feel scattered. There's the police, the city's lost and found office, Connect Transit for bus items, DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport if you traveled, and multiple Facebook groups where people post found pets and belongings. Even if you know where to look, each place has its own process, hours, and phone number, and there's no guarantee you'll hear back quickly or that your item will turn up.
ReportLost simplifies this. One report to us, and we make sure the DeKalb Police Department, city services, transit, and local community channels all know about your loss. After that, your report continues to monitor for matches automatically for as long as your search period lasts, so you can stop worrying and start moving forward.
Common Places Where Things Go Missing in DeKalb
If you remember where you lost your item, it helps. Here are places where DeKalb residents often report losses.
Downtown DeKalb and Lincoln Highway
The city center and main commercial corridor, where retail stores, restaurants, and offices are concentrated. Items lost here are often found by staff or turned in to nearby shops.
Northern Illinois University Campus
NIU's main campus and surrounding student areas. Lost items on campus may be held at various department offices or the campus police.
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
Common losses include bags, phones, and travel items left at the terminal. Report to airport administration during business hours.
Connect Transit Bus Routes
Items left on public buses are turned in to the Connect Transit lost and found facility. Act quickly, as items are held only for a limited time.
Barb City Park and Recreation Areas
Parks and outdoor spaces where wallets, keys, and personal items are sometimes left behind. Check with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Community Networks Where Items Are Posted
DeKalb residents use Facebook and other platforms to post and find lost items. Your ReportLost report goes to these communities automatically.
Facebook group dedicated to missing and found pets in DeKalb County
Active community group for pet reunions and sightings
Official city page where announcements and community updates are posted
Frequently Asked Questions About Lost Items in DeKalb
How long do police and city services hold lost items?
The DeKalb Police Department and City of DeKalb typically hold items for 30 to 90 days before disposal or donation. Connect Transit holds items for a shorter period. The sooner you report, the sooner they can identify and hold your item for you.
Can I pick up a found item from the police or city office?
Yes. Once you report to the police or city, you can contact them to confirm they have your item and arrange pickup during their business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring identification and proof of ownership if possible.
What if I left something on a Connect Transit bus?
Contact Connect Transit's lost and found office at 351 Wylie Drive in Normal. Items can be picked up Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call them at the number on their website to confirm they have your item before making the trip.
What if I lost my pet in DeKalb?
Contact Tails Humane Society immediately at 815-758-2457 ext: 102 or visit during business hours. Also post in local lost pet Facebook groups. The faster you report, the better your chances of reunion. Consider <a href="/report-lost-pet">filing a priority lost pet report with ReportLost</a> so we alert shelters, vets, and community networks on your behalf.
Does ReportLost work with the police and city of DeKalb?
ReportLost is an independent service that routes your report to the right local agencies, including the DeKalb Police Department and City of DeKalb services. We are not official city services, but we partner with and route to official channels so your loss gets logged in all the right places and continues to be searched for over time.
What happens if my item is found after I've filed a ReportLost report?
Your report stays active and continuously searches for matches across local listings, community posts, and announcements. When a credible match appears, we alert you immediately. This means you don't have to check Facebook groups, transit sites, or police updates every day, we do the checking for you.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to File Your Report?
Starting your report takes just a few minutes. Once it's filed, your item goes into active search mode, and you'll hear from us the moment we find a match.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the City of DeKalb, DeKalb Police Department, Connect Transit, Tails Humane Society, or any other local agency. We route reports to official channels and community networks, but filing with ReportLost does not replace filing directly with police or other authorities. All information provided is accurate as of the date of publication and subject to change. Always verify current contact information and hours directly with local services.