B1English

Lost or Stolen Items

Use these phrases when you need to report a lost or stolen item, speak to the police, or contact your embassy.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking for help · 2 ways to say it

Excuse me, I need some help. I think I've lost my wallet.

neutral

Excuse me, could you help me? My bag has just been stolen.

polite
Asking if an item was found · 3 ways to say it

Did anyone find a black backpack around here?

casual

Has anyone turned in a black backpack?

neutral

US — American English phrasing.

Has anyone handed in a black backpack?

neutral

UK — British English phrasing.

Describing a lost item · 2 ways to say it

It's just a small blue bag with all my stuff inside.

casual

It is a dark brown leather wallet that has my ID inside.

neutral
Finding the police station · 2 ways to say it

Where's the nearest police station around here?

casual

Could you tell me where the closest police station is?

polite
Filing a police report · 2 ways to say it

I need to file a police report for my travel insurance.

neutral

I would like to make an official police report, please.

polite
Canceling bank cards

I need to call my bank right now to cancel my credit cards.

neutral
Contacting the embassy · 2 ways to say it

I have lost my passport, so I need to go to the embassy.

neutral

Could you help me contact my embassy about a lost passport?

polite
Asking to borrow a phone · 2 ways to say it

My phone was stolen. Can I borrow yours to make a quick call?

casual

Would it be possible to use your phone to call the police?

polite

More polite — use when asking a stranger for their phone.

Practice Dialogue

Traveler
Excuse me, I need some help. I think I dropped my backpack somewhere around here.
Station Staff
I can help with that. Where exactly did you last see it?
Traveler
I left it on that bench over there, but now it's completely gone.
Station Staff
Let me check our lost and found quickly. What does the bag look like?
Traveler
It's a small black backpack that has my passport and wallet inside.
Station Staff
I'm sorry, but nobody has turned in a bag like that today.
Traveler
Oh no. What should I do now? Do I need to file a police report?
Station Staff
Yes, you should file a report. The nearest police station is just down the street.
Traveler
Okay, I'll go there right now. I also need to call my bank.
Station Staff
You can use the public phone by the entrance to cancel your credit cards.

More Emergencies & Safety (B1)

← All English survival phrases