Lost and found in Portsmouth, Rhode Island: how to report and search for your belongings
Lost items in Portsmouth are typically handled by the local police department, RIPTA transit system for bus riders, and individual venues. ReportLost.org files a coordinated report across the right channels and keeps your case active, so you don't have to track each one separately.
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 it works
You report your lost item
Describe what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed to alert the right services in Portsmouth.
We route it to the responsible places
We file reports where Portsmouth Police, transit authorities, and local venues accept third-party reports. You receive the exact office, phone number, and steps for any channel that requires you to follow up directly.
Your report stays active and searching
For 12 months, your case remains in the system. We cross-check new found-item reports, social posts, and community alerts against your description, and send you an alert if a credible match surfaces. You won't have to refresh websites or groups every day.
Where lost items typically end up in Portsmouth
Each channel operates independently. ReportLost coordinates the reporting for you.
Portsmouth Police Department
The police handle lost property reports for items left in public spaces or turned in by residents. We can tell you which precinct or office covers your loss location and provide the exact contact information and reporting steps.
RIPTA Transit Lost and Found
If you left something on a RIPTA bus in the Portsmouth area, the transit authority's lost-and-found office is your first contact. They hold items for a set period. We can help you prepare the exact details to include when you call or visit.
Rhode Island T.F. Green Airport
Travelers who lost items at or near PVD airport can report to the airport's lost-and-found service. Items are held temporarily, so reporting promptly helps. We provide the right contact details and next steps.
Shops, restaurants, and venues
Many lost items turn up at the location where they were left. Once you report through ReportLost, we give you guidance on contacting the specific venue, and we can suggest what information to have ready when you call.
Lost pets
If you've lost a dog or cat, contact Portsmouth Animal Control right away and alert local shelters and rescue groups. Your pet needs faster action than a standard lost report, and community networks are often the quickest way to bring them home. File a priority lost pet report.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Ready to report your loss?
The sooner you file your report, the sooner the search begins. Once submitted, you won't need to check back every day. We'll keep your case active and alert you if a match appears.
Report my lost item →Losing something valuable in Portsmouth means navigating separate systems: the police department, the local transit authority if you were on a bus, the specific shop or venue where you left it, and often social media groups where neighbors post found items. Each requires its own call, email, or form. ReportLost simplifies that process by taking your report once and routing it to all the places that matter, so you can stop juggling phone numbers and websites.
Once your report is filed, the search doesn't end when you close your browser. Your case keeps working for you around the clock for a full year. We monitor found-item posts and alerts across Portsmouth and notify you the moment something credible appears, whether it's on a community board, a transit lost-and-found list, or a local animal shelter. You report, then let us handle the ongoing search.
Common places where items go missing in Portsmouth
Knowing where you lost your item helps us route your report to the right place.
East Main Road
The main commercial corridor, including shops, restaurants, and the town center, where items are frequently left behind at counters or in parking areas.
Waterfront and beaches
Seasonal spots where wallets, phones, glasses, and jewelry are often misplaced on sand or picnic areas.
Town center and library
High-traffic areas including municipal buildings where items left on benches or at service desks often end up with staff.
Public transit stops and buses
RIPTA bus routes throughout Portsmouth where personal items are regularly left in seats or overhead racks.
Residential neighborhoods
Items lost during walks, delivered to neighbors, or picked up by residents and turned in to local authorities.
Community groups that help reunite lost items
Portsmouth residents and nearby towns share found items in these active online spaces. ReportLost keeps your report visible here too.
Facebook group for missing and found pets and community alerts
Statewide Facebook group covering lost and found pets across Rhode Island
Local subreddit where residents post lost and found items
Facebook group dedicated to missing and found cats in the area
Questions about lost items in Portsmouth
How long does Portsmouth Police hold lost property?
Contact the Portsmouth Police Department at (401) 683-0300 to ask about their holding period and current inventory. Items left in public spaces are typically held for a set duration before disposal or donation.
Can I check RIPTA's lost-and-found inventory online?
RIPTA does not offer an online search of their lost items. Contact the Lost and Found office at (401) 784-9500, ext. 1133 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm and 1pm-3:45pm) to describe your item and check if it's been turned in.
What should I do if I lost something at PVD airport?
Call the airport's customer service at (401) 691-2000 or email customerservice@pvdairport.com with a description of your item. They maintain separate lost-and-found departments for pre-security and terminal areas.
Where should I report a lost item if I'm not sure exactly where I left it?
Start with Portsmouth Police (401) 683-0300 for items lost in town, RIPTA if you rode a bus, or the specific venue if you remember being there. ReportLost helps you determine which is most likely and ensures all relevant places are notified.
Do I have to report my lost item to the police to file a ReportLost report?
No. ReportLost files independent reports where the relevant departments accept third-party reports, and guides you on how to follow up directly if needed. You don't have to contact anyone yourself, but we give you all the information to do so.
Is ReportLost.org an official government service?
No. ReportLost is an independent service that helps you report lost items and coordinates with official channels like Portsmouth Police, RIPTA, and local venues. We are not affiliated with any government agency, but we work with the services that hold and search for lost property in your area.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Start your search now
The longer you wait, the further your item travels. File your report today and let us manage the 12-month search while you focus on other things.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent lost-and-found reporting service and is not affiliated with the Portsmouth Police Department, RIPTA, PVD Airport, Portsmouth Animal Control, the Town of Portsmouth, or any other local government or business entity. We coordinate with these services where they accept third-party reports, but we are not part of any official agency. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police matters, contact Portsmouth Police directly at (401) 683-0300.