Lost
Lost GPS devices in Santa Barbara
near Stearns Wharf
Lost
listing
Posted
5 days
ago
Description
I lost my GPS devices while hiking near Stearns Wharf around 5:30 PM last Friday. Two devices were in a blue zip pouch—one handheld with a cracked screen and a second car-mounted unit. I had walked down State Street toward La Arcada and then looped back toward the harbor, realizing the pouch was gone just outside Stearns Wharf. These tools are essential for field work I do with a local research program, and I’m sick with worry they’ve found their way into the wrong hands.
Approximate last-seen location
near Stearns Wharf
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.