Lost something in Boston? Here is where to report it.
One report and we route it to the right Boston Police, the relevant lost & found offices, and active local social channels. Our automated search keeps scanning for matches across the web, marketplaces, and local groups 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 Boston
You report the loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We handle the details so you don't have to hunt down phone numbers or figure out which precinct covers your location.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes straight to the Boston Police Department, the MBTA if it's transit-related, Logan Airport if applicable, and the right local channels. No runaround.
Automated monitoring finds matches for you
Our automated search keeps scanning the entire web, marketplaces and local social channels for matching 'found' posts, so you don't have to check them yourself every day. You're alerted as soon as something credible surfaces.
Where and how to report in Boston
The official channels we alert, and what to expect from each
Boston Police Department
Report lost property directly to the Boston Police. Fill out their online form or call the Public Service Unit. We tell you which precinct covers your loss location and make sure your report reaches them fast.
MBTA Lost & Found
Lost something on a bus, subway, or commuter rail? The MBTA has a dedicated lost and found system. Call the number for your route or mode. We generate the exact info you need and alert them on your behalf.
Boston Logan Airport
Left something at Logan? The Lost and Found Office is on the Arrivals level between Terminals C and E. You can also call their customer service line or file a claim online. We make sure your report reaches them too.
Lost and Found at Boston Logan|Customer Service: 1-800-23-LOGAN
University Police (BU, MIT, UMass Boston)
Boston has several major universities with their own police and lost and found systems. Boston University, MIT, and UMass Boston each maintain property records. We point you to the right desk so your report lands in the right inbox.
Boston University Police: (617) 353-2110|MIT Police: (617) 253-2996|UMass Boston Police: (617) 287-7799
Lost Pets in Boston
Lost a dog, cat, or other pet? Boston has multiple animal shelters and control services. The Animal Rescue League, Boston Animal Shelter, and MSPCA all work together, and posting on local pet groups spreads the word fast. For the fastest response and best chance of recovery, file a priority lost pet report with ReportLost, and we'll alert all the shelters and local pet groups at once.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Don't wait to report
The sooner your report is in the system, the better the odds, and once it is, we take it from there. Every hour counts, especially in a city as big as Boston.
Report my lost item →Boston is a sprawling city with hundreds of buses, trains, shops, restaurants, and public spaces. Lose something here and you're juggling calls to the MBTA, the Boston Police, the airport, Facebook groups, Reddit, and Craigslist. Each has different hours, different forms, different staff. By the time you've called them all, days have passed and momentum is lost.
ReportLost simplifies that chaos. File one report, and we automatically notify every relevant service, publish your item to the right local social channels, and keep watch for you across the web for months. You won't have to refresh Facebook groups or call the lost and found desk every morning. Once your report is in, we take it from there, and you can breathe.
Common places where things go missing in Boston
You're not alone. Here's where Bostonians most often lose items
Downtown / Financial District
Busy streets, subway hubs, and shops. Wallets and phones disappear fast here. The Park Street T Station is a major transfer point and hotspot.
MBTA Subway & Bus Lines
Red, Blue, Orange, Green Lines see hundreds of lost items monthly. Backpacks, keys, and jackets are common. Call the MBTA lost and found for your specific line.
Boston Logan Airport
Rental car centers, bathrooms, security lines, and gate areas. Items left at the airport often go unclaimed because people don't follow up. File a claim within days.
Copley Square & Back Bay
Shopping, dining, and tourist spots mean constant foot traffic. Phones and wallets are frequent losses. Local Facebook groups and the police report are your best bet.
Waterfront & Parks
Charles River Esplanade, Boston Common, and Public Garden are beautiful but easy places to leave a jacket, keys, or glasses. Report quickly and check with the parks department.
Boston's active lost & found community
Where locals post and search
Frequently asked questions about lost items in Boston
How long do the MBTA and Boston Police keep lost items?
The MBTA typically holds items for 90 days before disposal. Boston Police holding periods vary by precinct, but generally run 30 to 90 days. Report immediately and follow up within days, not weeks. Our automated monitoring will alert you if your item surfaces, so you don't have to call every day.
What if I lost something at Logan Airport?
Call the Lost and Found Office directly at 1-800-23-LOGAN (1-800-235-6426) or file a claim online. Items held in public areas (bathrooms, curbside, rental center lobby) have a separate system. File within 7 days for the best chance. We'll make sure your report reaches them.
Does reporting to ReportLost replace reporting to the police?
No. ReportLost routes your report to the Boston Police and other official services on your behalf, but you're still filing an official report with them. We're an independent service that speeds up the process and monitors the web automatically so you don't have to.
Can I report a lost pet through ReportLost?
Yes. Lost pets are treated as a priority and routed to the Animal Rescue League ((617) 426-9170), Boston Animal Shelter ((617) 635-1913), and MSPCA ((617) 522-5055), plus local pet Facebook groups and PawBoost. We also monitor pet-specific channels around the clock. <a href="/report-lost-pet"><strong>File a priority lost pet report</strong></a> for faster coverage.
Which precinct covers my part of Boston if I lost something in public?
Boston Police has multiple districts (Downtown, Roxbury, South Boston, East Boston, Dorchester, Mattapan, Brighton, West Roxbury). Check with the city or call the Public Service Unit at (617) 343-4633. We identify the right precinct for your location so you don't have to.
What should I include in a lost item report?
Description (color, size, distinctive marks), exact location or neighborhood, date and approximate time, and how to contact you. The more detail, the better. Our form guides you through the right info to include, and we route it to every relevant channel with everything they need.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to get started?
The sooner your report is filed, the sooner we start searching. One report. Every relevant channel in Boston. You can breathe.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Boston Police Department, MBTA, Boston Logan Airport, Animal Rescue League, MSPCA, or any city, state, or university agency. We route reports to official services and monitor public web channels on your behalf. Official police reports and direct contact with lost and found offices are always the primary channel for lost item recovery.