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I Lost Something in the Netherlands: Where to Look

It happens to the best of us — you misplace your phone, bag, or bike and now you’re not sure where to begin looking. In the Netherlands, there are a few organized ways to find your lost item.

Check Online Lost and Found Databases

Start with these official platforms:

  • Verloren of Gevonden – The national platform where municipalities and citizens report lost and found items.
  • Local gemeente (municipality) websites often list their own lost-and-found procedures.

Lost Your Bike?

If your bike is missing, there’s a good chance it wasn’t stolen — it might have been removed by the gemeente. Municipalities routinely clear improperly parked bikes. You can check:

  • Fietsdepot Amsterdam – For bikes taken by the city in Amsterdam.
  • Similar fietsdepot (bike depot) services exist in other cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

Public Transport Lost Items

If you left something on a train, tram, or bus, check the relevant transport company:

Report to the Police

For valuable or personal items like passports, IDs, or high-value electronics, it’s wise to file a police report online at politie.nl.

Helpful Tip

Take note of your item's serial number or add identifiable markers to make it easier to claim if found.

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