Lost something in Columbus? Report it and get it back.
Submit one report, and we deliver it to the Columbus Division of Police, COTA Transit, John Glenn Airport, and active local community channels. Then we scan the web continuously for matches across marketplaces, social media, and local groups, so you don't have to.
🔍Recently reported lost items in Columbus – updated this July 19, 2026
- 📍 DSLR with lens lost near 8, July 14.
- 📍 Moleskine journal lost near Ohio Tree, July 15.
- 📍 Reading glasses lost near Glenmawr, July 14.
How ReportLost works in Columbus
You describe your loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed for police, transit, and local groups in Columbus.
We route your report
Your information goes to the right Columbus agencies—police, COTA if it's transit-related, airport if applicable—and we post to relevant local channels.
Automated monitoring finds matches
For weeks to months, our system scans Columbus community boards, Facebook groups, Nextdoor, marketplaces, and other public channels for 'found' posts matching your description. You get alerted if a credible match appears.
Where your item might be in Columbus
Here's what to do if you want to search yourself, or what ReportLost does on your behalf:
Columbus Division of Police
The police property room holds lost items. If you lost something in public or know it may have been turned in to police, they're your first contact. Call the Police Information Desk and ask about the property room, or submit a report through the city. ReportLost files the report for you and includes all relevant details.
Contact Columbus Division of Police|Columbus Police Property Room
COTA Transit Lost & Found
Left something on a COTA bus? The Lost & Found office holds items for seven days. You can call them directly to report or search. ReportLost contacts them immediately with your description and location details.
John Glenn International Airport (CMH)
If you lost an item at the airport or on a flight, John Glenn's Lost & Found office is open weekdays. Fill out their online form or call. ReportLost ensures your report reaches them and includes all the right details about your item and where you think you left it.
Local Community & Social Channels
Columbus residents post found items in Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Reddit's r/Columbus. ReportLost monitors these channels and alerts you if someone reports finding something matching yours. You stay in the loop without the daily scroll.
Lost Pet
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other pet in the Columbus area, time is critical. Call the Columbus Humane Society or Franklin County Animal Control immediately. Contact shelters and post to pet-specific networks. Then file a priority lost pet report with ReportLost so we can intensify monitoring and community outreach.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated info on this page? Let us know, we fix it fast.
Starting early makes a real difference
The sooner you report a lost item, the sooner agencies in Columbus can log it and the sooner ReportLost begins monitoring for matches. Once your report is filed, the searching becomes our job.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Columbus can feel scattershot. The police property room, COTA's lost and found office, local Facebook groups, Reddit—each holds information separately, and you end up making phone calls to multiple places and checking social feeds every day hoping someone posts your item.
ReportLost simplifies that. One report, and we place your information with the Columbus Division of Police, COTA, community groups, and other relevant channels. Then we do the ongoing legwork for you, monitoring the web continuously for any 'found' posts or listings that match. While you go about your day, our system works to reconnect you with what you lost.
High-traffic areas in Columbus where items are commonly lost
ReportLost tailors alerts to the location you specify
Downtown Columbus
The heart of the city includes office buildings, shops, restaurants, and public transit hubs. Items lost here often end up with police or COTA.
Short North Arts District
Galleries, boutiques, bars, and galleries draw crowds. Lost wallets, keys, and bags are sometimes turned in to local businesses or police.
Ohio State University Campus
The campus and surrounding neighborhoods see constant foot traffic. The university has its own police and lost & found for items left in campus facilities.
Grandview Heights
A busy commercial and residential area on the north side where people run errands. Community groups here are active in helping locate lost items.
Clintonville
A vibrant neighborhood with shops, cafes, and parks. Local Facebook groups are especially active in sharing found items and community alerts.
Columbus community channels where found items show up
ReportLost continuously monitors these so you don't have to
Reddit community for local news and found items
Local 'Lost and Found' groups and neighborhood pages
Hyperlocal social network where neighbors post found items
Facebook group dedicated to reuniting pets with owners
Facebook group for dog-specific searches and animal control updates
Questions about losing items in Columbus
How long does COTA hold lost items?
COTA holds items for seven days. After that, they may be discarded or donated. Call their Lost & Found office at 614-308-4378 immediately if you think you left something on a bus.
What's the process for claiming something at the Columbus Police property room?
Contact the Columbus Division of Police Information Desk at 614-645-4760 with details about your lost item. You may need to provide proof of ownership and may be asked to come in person to claim it.
Does John Glenn Airport's Lost & Found charge a fee?
Check directly with their Lost & Found office at 614-239-5035 or through their online form. Most airports do not charge to reclaim a personal item, but policies vary.
Can I file a report with Columbus police online if I lost something?
The Columbus Division of Police prefers direct contact for lost property. Call 614-645-4760 or visit their website to understand the process. ReportLost handles all the communication for you.
How do I post to local Columbus lost & found Facebook groups?
Search Facebook for 'Columbus Lost and Found' or neighborhood-specific groups. Request to join, then post your item description with a photo and location. ReportLost monitors these groups and alerts you if anyone comments with a match.
Is ReportLost.org official or part of the Columbus police?
ReportLost is an independent service that coordinates with official Columbus agencies and monitors public channels on your behalf. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the City of Columbus or its police department, but we route your information to them and help you follow official lost-property procedures.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to report your lost item?
The sooner you get the details in, the sooner ReportLost can route your information to the right Columbus agencies and begin monitoring for matches. You'll have one less thing to worry about.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the City of Columbus, Columbus Division of Police, COTA, John Glenn International Airport, Columbus State Community College, the Columbus Humane Society, Franklin County Animal Control, or any other local entity mentioned. We are a separate organization that helps coordinate reporting and automate monitoring of public channels. All official lost-property procedures and policies are determined by the respective agencies.