Have you dealt with the stress of losing something important? Maybe your wallet slipped out of your pocket during lunch, or you left your laptop at a coffee shop. The panic sets in as you retrace your steps. Now you need to write an email asking for help.
Writing a good lost and found email can make all the difference in getting your items back. A clear message tells people exactly what they should look for and how to reach you. This article gives you 15 ready-to-use email examples for different lost and found situations, helping you get reunited with your missing items faster.
“Lost and Found” Email Samples
These emails will help you communicate effectively when you’ve lost something valuable or found an item that belongs to someone else.
1. Basic Lost Item Email
Subject: Lost Black Backpack at Downtown Library (April 15)
Hello,
I visited the Downtown Library yesterday afternoon (April 15) between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM and accidentally left my black backpack there. The backpack is made by North Face and has a small red keychain attached to the front zipper.
Inside the backpack, there’s a blue notebook, my student ID card, and a water bottle with flower stickers. This backpack contains important study materials I need for my upcoming exams.
If anyone has found it, please contact me at jsmith@email.com or 555-123-4567. I’d be happy to pick it up at your earliest convenience.
Thank you so much for your help!
Best regards, Jamie Smith
[Signature: Full name, contact phone number, email address]
2. Found Item Email to Building Management
Subject: Found Keys in Lobby – Looking for Owner
Dear Building Management,
This morning around 8:15 AM, I found a set of keys in the main lobby near the elevator. The keychain has about 5 keys and a small blue plastic tag shaped like a fish.
I’ve left the keys with the front desk security guard, Mr. Johnson. Please let other tenants know these keys have been found so the owner can claim them.
The owner can contact me directly at apartment 302 or call 555-987-6543 if they want to describe the keys in more detail.
Thanks for helping reunite these keys with their owner.
Sincerely, Pat Taylor Apartment 302
[Signature: Name, apartment number, phone number]
3. Lost Item at a Restaurant
Subject: Left Prescription Glasses at Your Restaurant Last Night
Dear Manager,
I dined at your restaurant yesterday evening (April 15) around 7:30 PM with three friends. We sat at a corner table near the window. Unfortunately, I realized this morning that I left my prescription glasses at your establishment.
The glasses have dark brown frames and are in a black case with a silver clasp. They are my only pair, and I need them urgently for work and driving.
Would you please check your lost and found box? I’d be truly grateful if someone turned them in.
I can be reached at 555-444-3333 or email@example.com. I’m available to pick them up anytime during your business hours.
Thank you for checking!
Kindly, Alex Johnson
[Signature: Name, phone number, email address, table number if known]
4. Found Item in Public Park
Subject: Found Child’s Teddy Bear at Central Park
Hello Park Management,
While walking through Central Park today around 10:30 AM, I found a light brown teddy bear with a red bow tie near the playground. The bear looks well-loved and I’m sure a child is missing it dearly.
I’ve kept the teddy bear with me for safekeeping. Please share this information with anyone who reports a missing teddy bear matching this description.
The owner can reach me at 555-222-8888 to arrange pickup or have you pass my contact information to them.
Hopefully, we can get this special buddy back to its owner soon!
Thank you, Sam Wilson
[Signature: Name, email address, phone number]
5. Lost Phone on Public Transportation
Subject: Lost iPhone on Bus #42 This Morning
Dear Transit Authority Lost and Found Department,
I believe I left my iPhone on bus #42 during my morning ride on April 15, between 8:00-8:30 AM. I boarded at Main Street Station and exited at Business District Stop.
The phone is an iPhone 13 in a dark green case with a small crack in the top right corner of the screen. The lock screen shows a picture of a golden retriever dog.
This phone contains many important contacts and photos that haven’t been backed up recently. I’d greatly value its return.
I’ve already tried calling my number but received no answer. Is there a chance someone turned it in to your lost and found?
Please contact me at my backup number 555-777-1234 or email alternate@email.com if you have any information.
Many thanks for your assistance, Jordan Lee
[Signature: Name, alternate phone number, email address, home address for mail return if applicable]
6. Found Wallet Email to School Administration
Subject: Found Student Wallet in Science Building
Dear School Administration,
I found a student wallet today (April 15) at approximately 3:15 PM in the hallway outside Room 201 in the Science Building.
The wallet is small, made of brown leather, and contains what appears to be a student ID card, some cash, and several cards. I did not look through the contents in detail to respect the owner’s privacy.
I’ve turned the wallet in to Ms. Thompson at the front office. Please notify students about this found item so the rightful owner can claim it.
If needed, I can be reached at faculty@school.edu for any questions.
Thank you, Professor Michaels Science Department
[Signature: Name, department, office number, faculty email address]
7. Lost Jewelry at a Hotel
Subject: Lost Gold Bracelet – Room 415
Dear Hotel Staff,
I stayed at your hotel from April 12-15 in Room 415 and sadly discovered that I left behind my gold bracelet. This piece of jewelry holds great sentimental value as it was a gift from my grandmother.
The bracelet is thin, made of gold, with small heart charms hanging from it. I believe I left it on the bathroom counter or bedside table when I checked out this morning around 10:00 AM.
Has your housekeeping staff reported finding such an item? I would be deeply grateful for any help in recovering this treasured piece.
Please contact me as soon as possible at 555-888-9999 or guest@email.com. I’m willing to pay for shipping costs if you could mail it to me.
Thank you so much for your assistance during my stay and with this matter.
Warm regards, Morgan Chen
[Signature: Name, loyalty member number if applicable, phone number, email address, mailing address]
8. Found Pet Email to Neighborhood Group
Subject: Found Small Dog – Black and White Terrier Mix
Hello Neighbors,
This morning around 7:00 AM, I found a small black and white terrier mix wandering without a collar near Oak Street and Maple Avenue.
The dog appears well-cared for, very friendly, and responds to gentle handling. It’s currently safe at my home with water and food.
I plan to take the dog to Green Valley Animal Shelter this afternoon to check for a microchip unless the owner comes forward before then.
If this is your dog or you know who it might belong to, please contact me right away at 555-111-7777.
Let’s help this sweet pup get back home!
Thanks, Robin Taylor 123 Oak Street
[Signature: Name, address, phone number, email address]
9. Lost Laptop at Airport
Subject: Lost Dell Laptop at Security Checkpoint – Gate B12
Dear Airport Lost and Found Services,
I traveled through your airport yesterday (April 15) on Flight 302 departing at 3:45 PM from Gate B12. During the security screening process around 2:30 PM, I believe I left my laptop behind after placing it in a bin.
The laptop is a black Dell XPS 13 with a small sticker of mountains on the top cover. It was in a gray neoprene sleeve. This computer contains critical work files needed for an upcoming presentation.
I’ve already filed a report online (reference #LF78901), but I’m reaching out directly as well due to the urgency of my situation.
Would you please check if my laptop has been turned in? I can provide proof of ownership including the serial number and original purchase receipt.
I can be reached anytime at 555-999-8888 or traveler@email.com.
Thank you very much for your help, Taylor Morgan
[Signature: Name, flight number, confirmation code, phone number, email address]
10. Simple Found Item Email to Coworker
Subject: Found Your USB Drive in Conference Room
Hi Chris,
I found what I think is your USB drive after the marketing meeting this morning. It’s black with a red stripe and was left plugged into the conference room computer.
I’ve kept it safe at my desk (Room 305). You can stop by anytime today to pick it up.
Let me know if you need it urgently and I can bring it to you instead.
Thanks, Jesse
[Signature: Name, department, desk location, company extension number]
11. Lost Medical Device Email
Subject: Lost Hearing Aid at Community Center – Urgent
Dear Community Center Staff,
I attended the senior yoga class in Room 2 yesterday (April 15) from 10:00-11:00 AM. After returning home, I noticed my right hearing aid was missing.
The hearing aid is small, beige colored, and might still be in its clear plastic case. This medical device is essential for my daily activities and very expensive to replace.
Would you please check the yoga room, changing areas, and your lost and found collection? I’ve already searched my car and home without success.
This is quite urgent as I have important appointments this week. I can come to the center anytime to retrieve it.
Please contact me at 555-333-2222 if you find it.
Grateful for your help, Casey Smith
[Signature: Name, membership number, phone number, email address]
12. Professional Found Item Email to Client
Subject: Found Your Business Documents After Meeting
Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
Following our business meeting yesterday afternoon at our downtown office, our receptionist discovered a folder containing what appears to be your company documents. The folder is dark blue with your company logo on it.
We have secured these documents in our office safe to protect their confidentiality. Since they appear to contain sensitive information, we wanted to notify you right away.
Please let us know when would be convenient for you to collect these items, or if you would prefer us to arrange secure delivery to your office.
You can reach me directly at 555-444-5555 or reply to this email to make arrangements.
Best regards, Jamie Washington Account Manager
[Signature: Name, position, company name, business phone, email address, company logo]
13. Lost Item on Vacation Rental Property
Subject: Left Behind Wedding Ring at Sunset Beach House
Dear Property Management,
My family and I stayed at the Sunset Beach House (property #SBH42) from April 10-15. Unfortunately, after returning home, I realized I left my wedding ring in the master bathroom.
The ring is a white gold band with small diamonds around it. I believe I removed it while washing my hands and placed it on the glass shelf above the sink in the master bathroom.
This ring holds deep personal value beyond its monetary worth. Would you please ask your cleaning staff if they found it during turnover cleaning?
I’m happy to pay for secure shipping and handling if you locate it. Please contact me as soon as possible at 555-123-7890 or vacationer@email.com.
Thank you very much for your assistance with this matter.
Sincerely, Riley Johnson
[Signature: Name, reservation number, dates of stay, contact phone, email address, home address for shipping]
14. Found Textbook on Campus
Subject: Found Biology Textbook in Library Study Room 204
Hello University Lost and Found,
I found a Biology 101 textbook left behind in Library Study Room 204 today around 2:30 PM. The book has some yellow highlighting throughout and the name “J. Martinez” written faintly on the inside cover.
Given the current midterm season, I know how stressful losing study materials can be. I’ve turned the textbook in to the library front desk with Ms. Jackson.
If you could please post this information on your lost and found page or notify students in Biology classes, the owner would surely appreciate it.
Thank you for helping reunite a student with their study materials!
Best, Avery Thompson Student ID: 12345678
[Signature: Name, student ID number, email address, phone number]
15. Lost Item During Shopping Trip
Subject: Lost Red Wallet at Greenfield Mall Yesterday
Dear Mall Customer Service,
I visited Greenfield Mall yesterday afternoon (April 15) between 3:00-5:00 PM and shopped at several stores including Books & More, Fashion Place, and the Food Court. After returning home, I realized my wallet was missing.
The wallet is bright red leather with a gold zipper. It contains my driver’s license, credit cards, about $40 cash, and some family photos that can’t be replaced.
I’ve already called the stores I visited but had no luck. Would you please check your central lost and found department? I’m very worried about my ID cards and the sentimental photos inside.
I can be reached anytime at 555-987-1234. I can come to the mall immediately if you find my wallet.
Thank you for your time and help with this matter.
Gratefully, Quinn Nelson
[Signature: Name, phone number, email address, description of where shopped in the mall]
Wrap-up: Lost and Found Emails
Writing an effective lost and found email makes a big difference when trying to recover missing items or return found belongings. Clear details about the item, location, time, and your contact information give the best chance for a happy reunion with lost possessions.
These 15 email templates cover a range of situations you might face. Feel free to adjust them to fit your specific needs. Next time you misplace something valuable or find someone else’s belongings, you’ll have the right words ready to help solve the problem quickly.