Lost & Found Guide

Lost something in Dayton? We'll route your report to the right people.

One report and we connect you with the Dayton Police Department, local lost and found offices, and active community channels. Your report stays active, continuously searching 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

996
reports filed
28
in Minnesota

Across the United States

Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.

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How ReportLost Works

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You Report Your Loss

Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details that matter most to each local office and channel.

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We Route It to the Right Places

Your report goes directly to the Dayton Police Department, relevant lost and found services, and community groups actively searching in your area.

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Your Report Keeps Searching

While you move on with your day, your report continues to match against new found items, marketplace posts, and community alerts for your entire search period, with automatic notifications when a credible lead appears.

Where Things Get Lost in Dayton

And where to report them

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Dayton Police Department

The police handle lost and found reports for items lost on public streets, in parks, and in other public spaces throughout Dayton. They maintain records and can connect you with found items that have been turned in. We generate the right details for your report and tell you which precinct covers your loss location.

Dayton Police Department

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City of Dayton Hall & Services

Dayton City Hall can direct you to the right department for items lost in municipal buildings or on city property. They also keep records of lost and found items that come through city services. We ensure your report includes all the information they need to search their records and contact you if your item shows up.

City of Dayton

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Metro Transit Lost & Found

If you left a wallet, phone, or bag on a bus, Metro Transit's Lost and Found office collects and holds items. They have an online form and accept phone calls during business hours. We can help you file with them and keep your search active while they process your report.

Metro Transit Lost & Found

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MSP Airport Lost & Found

Traveling through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport? Items left at TSA checkpoints, on planes, or in terminals go to MSP's Lost and Found office on the valet level of Terminal 1. We point you to the right department and make sure your report reaches them.

MSP Lost & Found

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Lost Pets

If your dog or cat has gone missing, contact local animal rescues and shelters immediately. Angel of Hope Animal Rescue serves the Dayton area and maintains records of found animals. Posting in community groups is crucial, and microchip registries should be updated. If you've lost a pet, file a priority lost pet report with us to expand your reach.

⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.

The Sooner You Report, the Better

Items found in Dayton are most likely to be matched within the first days and weeks, before they're misplaced or discarded. Once you report through ReportLost, your information is in motion immediately, and you can step back while our team keeps the search alive.

Report my lost item →

Losing something in Dayton can feel like you've hit a dead end, especially when you're not sure whether to call the police, check with the city, contact Metro Transit, or post in a half-dozen Facebook groups. Each office holds items separately, responds on its own schedule, and unless you follow up constantly, your loss can slip through the cracks.

ReportLost simplifies that chaos. You report once, and we handle the routing to the Dayton Police Department, city services, and local community channels where people are actively looking. Your report stays active during your entire search period, keeping a constant watch for matches so you don't have to check back every day.

View of Dayton, MN

Common Places Where Things Go Missing

Neighborhoods and landmarks in Dayton where lost items are reported most often

Downtown & Main Street

Shops, restaurants, and public sidewalks where wallets, phones, and bags are frequently left behind or lost during busy hours.

Dayton Parks & Recreation Areas

Local parks and trails where rings, bracelets, and outdoor gear go missing, especially during summer and evening activities.

Transit Hubs & Bus Stops

Metro Transit stops and waiting areas where commuters often leave behind phones, purses, and personal items before boarding.

Shopping Centers & Retail Districts

Commercial zones where items slip out of pockets or are left at checkout counters and in parking areas.

Residential Neighborhoods

Dayton's single-family and multi-unit areas where lost pets and items left on porches or in yards are frequently reported.

Community Lost & Found Networks

Real people in Dayton posting and sharing lost items every day

Lost Pets Minnesota
Active group for missing and found pets across Minnesota, including Dayton area postings
Facebook neighborhood groups
Local Dayton community pages where residents share lost item sightings and found items
r/dayton (Reddit)
Dayton subreddit where community members alert each other to lost dogs, cats, and other items

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the police keep a lost item?

Dayton Police typically hold items for a period determined by city policy; check with them directly at (763) 427-2017 to confirm current hold times. Once an item is discarded, it's gone for good, so reporting early matters.

How do I pick up a found item from Metro Transit?

Metro Transit's Lost and Found is staffed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call them to confirm your item is in their system, then visit or arrange pickup during business hours. ReportLost stays in touch with them during your search period so you don't have to check back yourself.

What if I lost something at MSP Airport?

MSP's Lost and Found office is located on the valet level of Terminal 1, open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 612-726-5555 to report or check on your item. TSA items are handled separately; check the TSA Lost and Found portal if your item went missing at a security checkpoint.

Where do I report a lost pet in Dayton?

Contact Angel of Hope Animal Rescue at (763) 445-0717 or questions@aohrescue.org. Also post in Lost Pets Minnesota groups on Facebook and file a lost pet report immediately. Microchip registries should be updated, and local vets should be called to check for strays.

How long does ReportLost keep searching for my item?

Your report stays active for your chosen period, either 12 months. During that time, we automatically cross-reference new found item posts, community alerts, and marketplace listings against your description. You'll get notified if a credible match comes in, so you're not stuck refreshing Facebook groups and websites every day.

Is ReportLost.org official or affiliated with the Dayton Police Department?

ReportLost is an independent service, not run by the police or city. We work alongside official channels, sending your information to the right departments and services so you don't have to contact each one separately. We complement the police and local lost and found offices; we don't replace them.

Lost & found in nearby cities

Don't Lose Another Day

Your lost wallet, phone, ring, or bag has the best chance of coming back to you in the first few days. The sooner you report, the sooner our team routes your information to the right places and keeps your search active around the clock.

Start my report →

ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Dayton Police Department, City of Dayton, Metro Transit, MSP Airport, or any other agency or business mentioned. We work to route your report to official channels and community networks, but each agency operates independently and is responsible for its own lost and found policies and procedures.