Lost something in Buffalo? We'll help you get it back.
File one report and we notify the Buffalo Police Department, the City of Buffalo, local transit and airport services, plus scan social networks and local marketplaces continuously for matches over months so you don't have to.
🔍Recently reported lost items in Buffalo – updated this September 3, 2026
- 📍 Leather wallet lost near Tim Russert Children's Garden, August 31.
- 📍 Camera lost near Eddie Dawson Park, August 28.
- 📍 Small shoulder bag lost near Karma, September 1.
How ReportLost Works
You describe what you lost
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather all the details the right agencies need.
We route your report to the right places
We contact the Buffalo Police, city services, NFTA transit and airport lost & found offices, and post your item to local community channels so it reaches everyone who might help.
We monitor the web for you
Our system scans Facebook groups, Reddit, local marketplaces, and other community spaces for months, automatically spotting posts that match your description so you can recover your item without checking sites yourself every day.
Where to Report a Lost Item in Buffalo
Buffalo has multiple channels depending on where you lost your item. Here's what each one handles and how ReportLost speeds up the process.
Buffalo Police Department
If your item was lost in a public area or you suspect theft, the Buffalo Police can file a report and check their lost and found database. You can file a report online or visit headquarters. ReportLost identifies which precinct covers your loss location and ensures your description is filed with the right details.
City of Buffalo Services
Lost something in a city park, public building, or municipal facility? The City of Buffalo's 311 line and City Clerk office handle requests across departments. ReportLost generates the right information to include so your request reaches the correct city department quickly.
NFTA Transit (Bus & Rail)
Lost your item on a Metro bus or rail line in the Buffalo area? NFTA operates local transit and runs a lost and found for items left on vehicles. ReportLost tells you which garage or facility to contact based on your route and time of loss.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Lost an item in the terminal, at baggage claim, or at the TSA checkpoint? The airport's Lost and Found office tracks items and can hold them for you. ReportLost ensures you provide the exact details the airport needs, whether your item was lost in the terminal or at security.
University at Buffalo Police
Lost something on or near the UB campus? The University Police operate a 24/7 lost and found service for students, staff, and visitors. ReportLost makes sure your report reaches the right UB office.
Lost Pets
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet in Buffalo or Western New York, time is critical. Contact the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter directly and post to local pet networks immediately. ReportLost also helps with the broader effort to reunite your pet with you, including scanning pet recovery networks continuously. To get priority support, file a priority lost pet report.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated info on this page? Let us know, we fix it fast.
Getting ahead counts.
The sooner you report your loss, the better your chances of recovery. Once you've filed your report with ReportLost, the system begins searching and your information reaches local services immediately. You can breathe easier knowing the monitoring is happening in the background.
Report my lost item →Buffalo's neighborhoods, parks, transit system, and airport spread across a wide area, and losing something means calling police, checking the bus garage, contacting the airport, scrolling through multiple Facebook groups, and refreshing Reddit posts daily. That's a lot of effort when you're already stressed.
ReportLost simplifies it. One report reaches the Buffalo Police Department, City of Buffalo services, NFTA transit, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, and active local community channels all at once. Then we do the tedious part for you: our system searches the entire web continuously over 6 to 12 months, spotting any post or listing that matches your lost item so you can focus on other things while we keep watch.
Common Buffalo locations where items are lost
From downtown to neighborhoods, items go missing in many places. ReportLost routes your report to the right office based on where you were.
Downtown Buffalo & Niagara Square
The business and civic heart of the city, including City Hall, police headquarters, and frequent foot traffic through plazas and streets.
Allentown & Cultural District
Popular neighborhood with galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops where items are often left behind or mislaid in public spaces.
Elmwood Avenue
Busy commercial corridor with retail, dining, and entertainment venues where lost items frequently end up.
Delaware Park & North Park
Major parks and recreational areas where outdoor items, bags, and personal belongings are commonly lost.
Black Rock & Near West Side
Residential neighborhoods with parks, commercial strips, and community spaces where personal items go missing.
Buffalo's active lost & found community channels
Local Facebook groups and Reddit communities help reunite people with lost items. ReportLost posts to these and monitors them for you.
Active Facebook group dedicated to reconnecting lost items with their owners across Buffalo.
Facebook community focused on lost and found animals in Buffalo and Western New York counties.
Dedicated Facebook group for animal recovery in the Buffalo region with frequent posts and quick community response.
Reddit community for Buffalo residents, including lost item posts and neighborhood help threads.
Questions about lost items in Buffalo
How long does the Buffalo Police Department keep lost items?
Items are typically held for a limited time. Call the Buffalo Police non-emergency line at 716-853-2222 to ask about specific items and retention policies for property in their custody.
Where is the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter and what are their hours?
The shelter is located at 380 N Oak Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. Contact them at 716-851-5694 for hours and to inquire about lost pets. They also partner with Petco Love Lost for alert distribution.
What should I do if I lost something on an NFTA bus or train?
Contact NFTA Customer Care at 716-855-7211 (Monday to Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM). You can also visit the NFTA website to file a lost item report. Provide the route, time, and detailed description.
How do I report a lost item at Buffalo Niagara International Airport?
Call the airport Lost and Found at 716-630-6000 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, or fill out their online form. If the item was lost at the TSA checkpoint, contact TSA directly at 716-635-2222 or email BUF-LostandFound@tsa.dhs.gov.
Can I file a lost item report with the University at Buffalo Police?
Yes. UB Police operate a 24/7 lost and found service at 716-645-2222 or email ub-police@buffalo.edu. This covers items lost on or near the UB campus.
Is ReportLost.org official or does it replace reporting to the police?
ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside official channels, not replacing them. We notify the Buffalo Police Department, City services, NFTA, and airport lost & found on your behalf, then monitor the web continuously so you don't have to. Your item is still officially reported through the proper authorities.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to report your lost item?
The sooner you file your report, the sooner ReportLost gets to work scanning the web, contacting local services, and posting to community channels on your behalf. Your lost item could be sitting in a Buffalo Police office, an NFTA garage, or mentioned in a Facebook post right now—and we'll find it.
Start my report →ReportLost is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Buffalo Police Department, City of Buffalo, NFTA, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the University at Buffalo, or any other city agency. We work to notify and coordinate with these official channels on your behalf, but we do not replace them. Always follow up directly with the relevant authority if you need immediate assistance.