Lost something in Matthews? Here is who holds found property.
File one report and we handle the rest. We notify the Matthews Police Department, coordinate with Charlotte Area Transit System if needed, and keep your report actively searching for matches across local channels.
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 Matthews
You describe what you lost
Tell us what happened, where, and when. We gather the details needed to reach the right local offices and social networks.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes directly to the Matthews Police Department, relevant transit lost and found, and local Facebook and Nextdoor groups where items often resurface in your area.
Your report keeps searching for you
We don't stop after day one. Your report stays active for your entire search period, automatically matching new found posts and listings against your description so you can move forward without checking every day.
Where to report lost items in Matthews
Official channels and what each one handles
Matthews Police Department
File a lost property report here for items lost in public spaces, vehicles, or local businesses. The Records Bureau maintains lost and found inquiries. We determine which precinct or department handles your specific loss location and generate the exact information you'll need.
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)
If you left something on a Matthews bus or at a transit stop, CATS handles lost and found claims. Items are typically held for a set period before disposal. We point you to the right transit department and suggest the fastest way to file your claim.
CATS Lost & Found: 704-336-3159|Customer Service: 704.336.7433
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Lost something at CLT? The airport's Lost and Found office in Baggage Claim, Zone 4 processes items daily. They hold items for a standard period. Check with them first if your loss involved air travel through Charlotte.
Lost or found a pet?
Start by checking the Mecklenburg County listing of lost pets, then contact Matthews Animal Control immediately. Time matters with pets, and the Humane Society of Charlotte and local Facebook networks are active for pet reunions. File a priority lost pet report.
Matthews Animal Control: 704-847-5555|Humane Society of Charlotte
Town of Matthews
For items lost in town facilities or if you're unsure which department to contact, Matthews Town Hall can direct you to the right office. They're also a good place to ask about local lost and found policies for merchants and public spaces.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Act soon, search smart.
The sooner you file a report, the better your chances. Once you submit through ReportLost, our team takes it from there—you can trust that your item is being tracked across local channels while you move forward.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Matthews means navigating multiple separate systems: the police department, bus transit, local merchants, and scattered social media posts. Most people give up after a few days of searching because there's no single place tracking an item across all these channels.
ReportLost simplifies this. One report reaches the Matthews Police Department, Charlotte Area Transit System (if relevant), and local community networks at once. Even better, your report doesn't expire after a week. It stays active and keeps matching against new found items and postings, so you're covered during your entire search window without burning out.
Common places to lose things in Matthews
These neighborhoods and zones are where most losses happen
Downtown Matthews / Station Street
Town center with shops, restaurants, and town hall. High foot traffic and popular gathering spots mean items are often left behind at registers, tables, and parking areas.
Matthews Mint Hill Road Corridor
Retail and service hub with shopping centers, medical offices, and local businesses. Items slip out of bags and vehicles frequently along this busy commercial stretch.
Stallings Road & Indian Trail Areas
Residential neighborhoods with parks and transit stops. Walkers and commuters lose items here regularly, especially near the pet park and bus stops.
Public Parks & Recreation Spaces
Including the Matthews pet park and community grounds. Outdoor items are commonly left behind after activities.
CATS Bus Routes Throughout Matthews
Commuters on Charlotte Area Transit buses forget phones, bags, and jackets. The lost and found holds items, but a formal report speeds up recovery.
Local networks where found items often resurface
Check these communities and let us amplify your search
Facebook group focused on pets, but also posts general lost and found items in the Matthews area
Broader regional group for lost items and pets across NC
Local Reddit community where Matthews residents post lost item inquiries
Neighborhood-specific feed where Matthews residents alert each other to lost and found items
Matthews and Mecklenburg County community pages often feature found items
Questions about lost items in Matthews
How long does the Matthews Police Department hold lost property?
The Matthews Police Department processes lost property reports and holds items as per North Carolina law. Contact the Records Bureau at 704-841-6701 to inquire about specific items and their hold duration. Items are typically held for a set period before being disposed of or donated.
How long do Charlotte Area Transit buses hold lost items?
CATS maintains a lost and found system for items left on buses and at transit stops. Call 704-336-3159 to check if your item has been turned in. Items are held for a standard period, so it's important to file a report quickly if you know you left something on a bus.
What should I do if I lost something at Charlotte Douglas Airport?
The CLT Lost and Found office is located in Baggage Claim, Zone 4, and is open 8 am to 6 pm daily. Call ahead or visit in person to search for your item. Items are processed and held, but recovery rates are higher if you report within the first few days.
Where do I file a lost pet report in Matthews?
Contact Matthews Animal Control at 704-847-5555 immediately. They recommend checking the Mecklenburg County listing of lost pets first. Also post in the Lost and Found Pets Mecklenburg County Facebook group and the Humane Society of Charlotte network for wider visibility.
Can I file a report over the phone with Matthews Police?
Yes. Call the main line at 704-841-6701 or the Records Bureau to file a lost property report. Have your details ready: where and when you lost the item, a clear description, and your contact information. You can also visit in person at 1201 Crews Road, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Is ReportLost.org an official police service?
ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside official agencies. We're not the police, but we make sure your report reaches the right departments, lost and found offices, and community channels in Matthews and beyond. You still file with the police and transit systems directly, but we coordinate the process and keep your report active during your entire search period so you don't have to chase leads alone.
Lost & found in nearby cities
File your report below.
The first step is simple: describe what you lost and where. We'll handle routing your report to the Matthews Police Department, relevant transit systems, and community networks. Your report stays in active search mode for months, checking for matches so you can focus on moving forward.
Start my report →ReportLost is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Matthews Police Department, Town of Matthews, Charlotte Area Transit System, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Humane Society of Charlotte, or any other official or private entity listed in this guide. We provide information about official channels and help coordinate your report to relevant local services, but we do not replace the need to contact these agencies directly. All links and contact information are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the publication date, but we recommend confirming details directly with the agencies themselves.