← Help in Grant County

Someone took their car, ID or phone and won't give it back

Use when a partner, family member, roommate or someone else is keeping someone's car, ID, papers, phone, benefits card or other things and won't give them back.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Check safety first

You can ask"Who has your things? Did they hurt or threaten you?"
In danger now: call 911.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
If it is a partner or family member, see the guide "A woman (maybe with children) has no safe place or is leaving an abuser".
If someone keeps their papers to force them to work or trade sex, see the guide "Being forced to work or trade sex, or someone controls their papers or money".

2Ask police for help

Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority
Non-emergency dispatch (police, sheriff, fire)
575-388-8840
Silver City · 24/7
Write down the police case number.

3Lock down the phone and accounts

At the Gospel MissionUse the Mission phone for local calls.
At the Gospel MissionAsk staff about a free government (Lifeline) phone from the stuff drawer.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
SNAP, Medicaid, TANF/GA, LIHEAP office
800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm (closed 12-1:30pm); phone center Mon-Fri 7am-6:30pm

4Replace ID and papers

At the Gospel MissionVital documents help. The case worker can start a new ID and birth certificate.
See the guide "Has no ID at all".

5Get legal help

New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal aid (local office)
575-388-0091
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City
Grant County Magistrate Court - Division I (Silver City)
Magistrate court clerk (Silver City)
575-538-3811
214 N Black St, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (open over lunch)

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.