Skip to content

Lost & Found

Lost & Found Inquiries

Disclaimer

The UC Merced Police Department is the central repository for lost and found on campus.

Important: Before inquiring about your lost item, please read the FAQs and items we do not accept into our Lost & Found.

Items NOT accepted into our Lost & Found:

  • Perishable items (Food)
  • Other items at discretion

If you find an item we do not accept, we recommend you return the item to the location you found it.

Contact the Lost & Found

FAQ

How do I claim my items?

If UCMPD contacted you about a found item, it can be retrieved from the Lost and Found during business hours. Be sure to pick up your item before the deadline (within 90 days after being notified). The property owner of the item must claim and pick up their property; we will not release property to a family member or friend of the property owner.

To claim an item, you MUST have the following:

  • Valid identification, such as
    • Driver's license
    • Student ID
    • Employee ID
    • Passport
    • Other photo ID
    • Proof of ownership, such as:
    • Serial number (required for all electronic devices)
    • Purchase receipt
    • Description of the item in detail

 

How do I inquire about my lost item?

Please email us at UCMPDLostandFound@ucmerced.edu (link sends e-mail) to inquire about a lost item. Remember to include the following information:

  • Your name and contact information.
  • The date the item was lost.
  • Where you had it last or where it might have been lost.
  • The type of item, including the brand, color and any details that would make it easier to identify the item as yours.
  • Serial number (required for all electronic devices)

NOTE: Be sure to update your personal listing in the Directory. UCMPD uses that information to contact you if we've found your item.

 

I found something. What should I do?

We do not coordinate communication between you and the owner of the lost/found item(s). We also are not permitted to release personal contact information for an individual. 

We recommend you turn in the item(s) to UCMPD or your local Police Department.

 

Do you take reports for lost items?

Yes, we do take reports for lost items.

If your item has been lost or stolen on UC Merced property, please call 209-228-8273 or visit UCMPD to file a police report with an officer.

You can also make an online report at https://police.ucmerced.edu/lost-and-found 

 

How do I claim and/or inquire about my lost keys?

If you’ve lost your keys, you can either call or visit the UC Merced Police Department. Please be prepared to provide a description of the keys. We will check our lost and found records to see if we have any items that match. If a potential match is found, you will need to come in to verify ownership before claiming the keys.

 

Are there other Lost and Founds on campus?

Yes, there are several Lost and Found collection points across campus. Some of the main

locations include:

  • Library
  • Joseph Gallo Recreation Center (Gym)
  • Housing Office
  • Administration Building
  • Office of Student Involvement (OSI)
  • University Store
  • Pavilion
  • S&E 168 / SSM 152

Our Student Service Ambassadors (SSAs) routinely collect items from these locations and bring them to the UC Merced Police Department. Once received, items are logged and entered into our Lost Returns system for tracking and retrieval.

 

What happens to unclaimed items?

Per UCOP policy, unclaimed items after 90 days will be disposed of. Unclaimed valuables may be auctioned. 

For more information, please review the UCOP Policy https://policy.ucop.edu/_files/da/da0415.html

 

Where is the Lost and Found and when is it open?

Lost and Found is located within the Campus Police Department.

Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM (Closed on UC Merced administrative holidays)