Lost something in Salem? Here is who holds found property.
File a single report with ReportLost, and we connect it to the Salem Police Department, City Hall, the MBTA (if transit-related), local animal control, and active community channels. Your report stays active, continuously matching against new found items.
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 Salem
You report the loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed to alert the right people right away.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes to Salem Police, City Hall, the MBTA (for bus or commuter rail), animal control, and relevant local social groups. No more figuring out which office to call or which form to fill.
Your report keeps searching for you
While you go about your day, your report remains active, automatically cross-checking new found-item posts, community alerts, and marketplace listings for a match. You'll get notified the moment we spot something.
Where to report a loss in Salem
These are the official channels you can contact directly, plus what ReportLost handles for you.
Salem Police Department
The Police Department's Lost and Found holds items recovered throughout Salem. You can call to report a loss and ask if something matching your description has been turned in. ReportLost will contact them on your behalf and help you follow up.
City Hall & City Services
City Hall keeps track of items found in public spaces and city buildings. If you're unsure which department to contact, City Hall is the starting point. We'll direct your report there and ensure it reaches the right desk.
MBTA Transit (Bus & Commuter Rail)
If you lost something on a Salem bus route or the MBTA commuter rail, the transit authority maintains its own lost-and-found system. Call the MBTA directly or use their online inquiry tool. ReportLost will submit your report to their system and provide you with the right contact number.
Boston Logan Airport (if applicable)
Lost something while traveling through Logan? The airport's Lost and Found office is on the Arrivals level between Terminals C and E. For TSA checkpoint losses, file separately with the TSA. ReportLost can help you with the right procedures and contact info.
Animal Control & Shelters
If your pet is missing, time matters. Salem Animal Control responds to stray reports, and nearby shelters like the Animal Rescue League and MSPCA will hold found animals. ReportLost connects you immediately and ensures your pet's description reaches all relevant facilities. For urgent help, file a priority lost pet report with us.
Salem Animal Control: 978-744-8325|Animal Rescue League: 617-426-9170
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Don't wait. Report it now.
The sooner you file, the sooner our team can alert all the right places and start your active search. Once your report is live, you can step back. We've got it from here.
Report my lost item →Salem's historic neighborhoods, busy transit hubs, and waterfront areas see their share of lost items every day. A wallet left at a cafe on Essex Street, a phone dropped on the MBTA commuter rail, a pet missing near the downtown core, keys lost at Derby Wharf. The problem: Salem's lost-and-found ecosystem is fragmented. The Police Department holds recovered items, the MBTA has its own system, City Hall keeps some things, and community members post alerts in scattered Facebook groups and Reddit threads. By the time you've called three different numbers and messaged two groups, days have passed.
ReportLost cuts through that maze. One form, one submission, and we handle the outreach. We tell the Salem Police which precinct covers your loss location, we send the exact details to the MBTA if you lost something on a bus or train, we flag it with Animal Control if it's a pet, and we post to the community networks that matter most. Most importantly, your report doesn't vanish after a week. It stays live, continuing to search for a match across all those channels for months, so you don't have to refresh Facebook groups every morning or wonder if you missed a post.
Common places where Salem residents lose items
Knowing where you lost something helps us route your report to the right spot.
Downtown Salem & Essex Street
The heart of Salem's shops, cafes, and restaurants. Wallets, phones, and keys often left at tables or on benches.
Derby Wharf & Waterfront
A popular spot for locals and tourists. Items left near the water, on benches, or in parked cars.
MBTA Commuter Rail & Bus Stops
Commuters frequently leave items on the train, bus seats, or at the station. We'll contact the MBTA directly on your behalf.
Pickering House & Historic District
Museums and historic sites see their share of lost personal items. Contact City Hall or the venue if you lost something at a specific attraction.
Parks & Recreation Areas
Forest River Park and other green spaces. Items often found and turned in to City Hall or a nearby business.
Salem's active lost-and-found community
Real people posting real finds every day. ReportLost ensures your report reaches these channels automatically.
Community-driven lost pet reunions and alerts.
Dedicated to lost and found pets throughout the Salem area.
Salem locals discussing neighborhood issues, including lost items.
Official city page where community members sometimes post found items.
Active Salem community group where locals share local finds and needs.
Questions about losing and finding things in Salem
How long does the Salem Police Department keep lost items?
Items held by Salem Police are typically retained for 30 to 90 days before disposal. The exact timeline can vary. Call 978-744-1212 to check if your item is still in their custody. ReportLost will follow up on your behalf and track the holding period.
Can I pick up my recovered item from the Police Department?
Yes, but you'll need to provide proof of ownership and possibly a description. Call 978-744-1212 beforehand to confirm they have your item. City Hall (978-745-9595) can also direct you to the right desk.
How do I check if something was found on the MBTA bus or commuter rail?
Contact the MBTA Lost and Found at 617-222-3200 or use their online inquiry system at mbta.com/customer-support/lost-and-found. Have the date, time, route, and description ready. ReportLost will submit this for you.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Salem?
Call Salem Animal Control immediately at 978-744-8325, then contact nearby shelters (Animal Rescue League: 617-426-9170; MSPCA). Post on local Facebook groups like 'Salem, MA - Lost & Found Cats, Dogs & Pets.' ReportLost's priority pet report ensures all these channels are notified together.
How long does ReportLost keep my report active?
Your report stays active for 12 months, depending on your selection. During that entire period, we continue to monitor for matches and alert you if something matching your description appears in found-item posts or official channels.
Is ReportLost.org official, or does it replace calling the police?
ReportLost is an independent service designed to speed up and simplify the process of reporting a loss. We are not a government agency, but we partner with official channels like Salem Police, the MBTA, and City Hall. Filing with ReportLost does not replace a police report; it complements it and ensures your information reaches the right people faster. You can also report directly to these agencies if you prefer.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to get your lost item back?
Start with a ReportLost submission. We'll handle the rest—contacting Salem Police, the MBTA, City Hall, and community networks on your behalf. Then we'll keep searching for you for months to come.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent lost-and-found reporting service and is not affiliated with the City of Salem, the Salem Police Department, the MBTA, City Hall, or any other government or private entity mentioned on this page. We provide information and facilitate communication between lost-item reporters and official channels. All contact details and policies are current as of the last update but may change. Always verify directly with official sources for the most up-to-date information.