Step by Step Instructions

• ACT QUICKLY. Time is not on your side — especially if the item was lost in a public area with lots of foot traffic. 

• RECALL where you lost the item or where you last saw it. Try to remember your movements and actions that could have caused the item to fall, such as bending down, falling, jumping, reaching into pockets, etc. 

• TRACE your steps back and carefully inspect the places where the item could have dropped. If possible, take photos of the area! If you need help with the search, photos can speak louder than words. 

• ASK nearby shops or businesses if the location is close to any. Someone may have found the item and returned it there. 

• CHECK local Facebook groups where lost and found items are posted. If you make a post about the lost item, be careful not to share too many specific details — you don't want thieves to track it down. 

• CALL FOR HELP. The best and fastest results come from contacting someone experienced in metal detecting! If you decide to buy or rent a metal detector, keep in mind that using one requires some knowledge and practice. High-quality devices and accessories can also be quite expensive.

When contacting a detectorist

Please include the following details when contacting a search specialist. They are important for assessing the chances of recovery and determining the necessary equipment for the search. 

• What kind of environment was the item lost in? If the area is on land, is it flat, rocky, forested, or overgrown? Are there any metal structures nearby that could interfere with detection? 

• If the item fell into water: How deep is it, and what is the bottom like? The ground could be muddy, sandy, rocky, full of boulders, or covered in vegetation. 

• Estimated search area size: How large is the likely search zone (in meters × meters)? 

• Was the drop witnessed, or was the item simply noticed missing later? This affects how precisely we can target the search. 

• When was the item last seen, and when was it noticed missing? On land or in shallow water, we can search larger areas than when diving is required. 

• When did the loss occur? The environment plays a big role in how long lost items remain recoverable. 

• Agree on search and recovery fees in advance. This ensures both parties understand the cost of the search, including travel expenses.