Lost something in East Chicago? File a report and let us handle the search.
One report to the East Chicago Police Department, local businesses, and active community channels. Your report stays active, cross-checking new found items and community posts automatically 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 it works
You file your report
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details we need to route your case to the right channels in East Chicago.
We connect you to the right places
Your report goes to the East Chicago Police Department, relevant local businesses and public facilities, and gets shared across community groups where found items are posted. You don't have to make the calls.
Your report keeps searching
For the entire length of your search period, your report stays active and automatically checks new posts, found items listings, and community announcements. If a match appears, we alert you right away, so you can focus on your day while we focus on finding your item.
Where to report and search
What ReportLost handles so you don't have to
East Chicago Police Department
Report lost property and check for items turned in to the police. We identify the right precinct and details to include so your report reaches the right desk.
Police Department Main Line|Non-Emergency Line|Official Police Page
City Hall and City Services
If your item was lost at a city facility or public building, the City of East Chicago can help track it down or direct you to the right department. We generate the exact information you need to file with them.
Public Transit (ECT and CTA)
Lost something on East Chicago Transit (ECT) or Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) vehicles? Both systems maintain lost and found services. We help you understand which service covers your location and route your report accordingly.
CTA Lost & Found|CTA Customer Service|East Chicago Transit Info
O'Hare and Midway Airports
If you lost your item at Chicago's major airports while traveling through East Chicago, each airport has its own lost and found system. We point you to the right contact and make sure your details reach them.
Lost or Found Pet
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet in East Chicago, time matters and specialized services are crucial. Contact East Chicago Animal Control and local shelters, and then file a priority lost pet report with us so your pet stays on the active search radar.
Community Groups and Social Posts
Lost and found items are constantly posted in local Facebook groups and Nextdoor. We publish your report to the relevant channels so the whole community knows what you're looking for, and we keep checking new posts so you don't have to.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
The sooner you report, the sooner we start
Every moment counts when something is lost. Reporting now means your item has the best chance of being spotted, and your report can begin its automatic search across all the places where found items end up. Once filed, you can breathe easy, knowing we're working the case for you.
Report my lost item →In East Chicago, losing something valuable means navigating multiple channels, all working separately: the local police, the businesses where you were, the transit system if you took ECT or CTA, and scattered community groups on Facebook and Nextdoor. Most people end up calling each one themselves, and if they miss a day, they miss posts. That's exhausting and inefficient.
ReportLost simplifies this. File once, and we route your loss to the East Chicago Police Department, the right local facilities, and active community channels all at once. Then your report stays live and keeps matching against new found items and community announcements for the full duration of your search, so you're not constantly checking back. The moment something credible appears, you hear about it. It's the shortcut East Chicago residents deserve.
Common places where people lose things in East Chicago
Report your loss right away, especially if it happened in these areas
Downtown East Chicago
Shopping, dining, and city services concentrated around Indianapolis Boulevard and Columbus Drive, where lost items often turn up at nearby businesses or the police station.
Transit Corridors (ECT and CTA routes)
Bus routes throughout the city, including connections to Chicago. Lost items on transit have a good recovery rate if reported quickly to the right garage or terminal.
Residential neighborhoods
Home, streets, and local parks across East Chicago. Items left behind in neighborhoods often stay local, making community posts and police reports effective.
Schools and community centers
Public facilities managed by the city or school district. Lost items at these locations are typically held by the facility's main office.
Near O'Hare and Midway connections
For those traveling to or from Chicago's airports through East Chicago, losing items en route means checking both transit and airport systems.
Community channels where found items are posted
We share your report here and monitor these spaces for matches
Local lost and found groups, pet recovery groups, and neighborhood community pages where residents post found items daily
Neighborhood-level posts where many found items are shared immediately by helpful neighbors
Regional subreddits where people post lost and found items and offer advice
If your lost item is a pet, these networks connect with shelters and rescue groups across the region
Frequently asked questions
How long will my report stay active?
Your report remains active for your entire search period, which you choose during setup, typically 12 months. During this time, it continues to check for matches against new found items, community posts, and listings, and you're alerted if a credible match appears.
Do I have to call the police and businesses myself?
No. We handle routing your report to the East Chicago Police Department, relevant local facilities, and community channels. You get a summary of what we've filed and where, so you know it's been done, but you don't have to make the calls yourself.
What if my item was lost on a bus or train?
If you lost it on East Chicago Transit (ECT) or Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), we route your report to both the service and the relevant garage or terminal. Items on public transit are often turned in within days if reported quickly.
How long do police and businesses hold lost items?
The East Chicago Police Department typically holds items for a period of time before disposal. Businesses often keep lost items at the manager's desk or a central office for 30 to 90 days. It's best to ask when you report, and your report includes instructions for follow-up.
What if I lost a pet?
For lost pets, time is critical. Contact East Chicago Animal Control at (219) 391-8364 and local shelters immediately, then <a href="/report-lost-pet">file a priority lost pet report with us</a> so your pet stays on active search radar across shelters, rescue networks, and community posts.
Is ReportLost.org official, or does it replace the police report?
ReportLost is an independent service, not affiliated with law enforcement or the city. We are a complement to official channels, not a replacement. We help you file with the police, local businesses, and community groups, and we keep your case active on the search front. You should always file a formal report with the East Chicago Police Department for items of significant value, and we help you do that efficiently.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready? Start your report now.
The faster you report, the sooner your item can be found. File now, and let our system work for you across all the places where lost items end up in East Chicago.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent lost and found service and is not affiliated with the East Chicago Police Department, City of East Chicago, East Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control, or any other government or private entity mentioned on this page. We route your report to the appropriate official channels and community resources, but we do not operate or maintain those systems. Always file a formal report with local police for items of significant value. For emergencies, call 911.