Lost and Found Information

What To Do If You Have Lost or Found an Item

Lost Personal Property

If you have lost personal property in Lodi, you should take the following steps:

File an Online Report

You can report lost property through the Lodi Police Department's Citizens Online Police Reporting System. This free service allows you to immediately submit a report and receive a case number. The system is available for non-emergency situations when the property was lost within Lodi city limits.

Contact Property & Evidence Division

For inquiries about whether your property has been turned in, contact the Property and Evidence Division:

  • Phone: 209-333-6800, ext 2513
  • Contact: Property and Evidence Technician Kim Van Tassel
  • Requests are typically answered within three working days
  • Appointments are required for property release

Found Personal Property

If you find personal property (watch, cellphone, keys, wallet, etc.) in Lodi, California law requires specific steps under California Civil Code Section 2080:

Your Legal Obligations

When you find lost property, you are not legally required to take possession of it. However, if you do take charge of it, you become a "depositary for the owner" and must:

  1. Try to locate the owner - If you can identify the owner through any means (ID in wallet, contact information, etc.), you must make reasonable efforts to contact them within a reasonable time
  2. Turn it in to police - If the owner is unknown or cannot be contacted, you must turn the property over to the Lodi Police Department:
    • Address: 215 West Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240
    • Phone: (209) 333-6727 (business) or (209) 333-6728 (non-emergency)

What Happens Next

The police department will follow California Civil Code procedures:

  • Hold the property and attempt to locate the owner
  • After specified time periods, unclaimed property may be sold at public auction or retained for public use
  • The finder may have rights to claim the property if unclaimed after statutory periods

Found Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia

Finding drugs or drug paraphernalia requires immediate and careful action:

Critical Steps

  1. Do NOT take possession - Taking physical possession of illegal drugs, even with intent to turn them in, could result in criminal charges for possession
  2. Leave the items where found and immediately contact:
    • Emergency: 911 (if immediate danger exists)
    • Non-emergency: Lodi Police at (209) 333-6728
    • Provide exact location and description of what you observed
  3. Alternative reporting options:
    • DEA tip line: Submit anonymous tips online at DEA.gov for suspected drug trafficking
    • Crime Stoppers: File anonymous reports for drug-related activities

Important Warning

Never bring found drugs to a police station yourself. Even with good intentions, you could be arrested for possession, as it would be difficult to prove the drugs aren't yours.

Found Weapons or Ammunition

Discovering firearms or ammunition requires special handling due to safety and legal concerns:

Immediate Actions

  1. Do not touch or move the weapon if possible - for safety and to preserve potential evidence
  2. Call law enforcement immediately:
    • Emergency: 911 if the weapon poses immediate danger
    • Non-emergency: (209) 333-6728 for the Lodi Police Department
  3. Secure the area - Keep others, especially children, away from the weapon until police arrive

Legal Considerations

Under California law:

  • Possession of found firearms can lead to serious criminal charges, especially if you're prohibited from owning firearms
  • Law enforcement will take custody of the weapon and follow specific procedures
  • The rightful owner may reclaim the firearm only after obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the California Department of Justice

Important Note on Ammunition

Found ammunition should be treated similarly to firearms - contact law enforcement rather than attempting to handle or transport it yourself.

Key Contacts for Lodi

Lodi Police Department

  • Address: 215 West Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240
  • Emergency: 911
  • Business: (209) 333-6727
  • Non-Emergency: (209) 333-6728
  • Property & Evidence: (209) 333-6800, ext 2513

Online Reporting

Important Reminders

  • Filing a false police report is a crime
  • Always prioritize safety when dealing with potentially dangerous items
  • When in doubt, contact law enforcement for guidance
  • Keep records of any reports filed, including case numbers
  • Be prepared to provide identification when claiming or turning in property

The procedures outlined above ensure compliance with California law while protecting both the finder and the rightful owner's interests. Following these guidelines helps maintain public safety and ensures proper handling of lost and found items in the Lodi community.