Uber drivers are accustomed to finding items left behind by passengers in their rides, some more unique and surprising than others. The rideshare’s eighth annual Lost & Found Index revealed the most common possessions left in cars, with clothing, luggage, headphones, wallets, jewelry, phones, cameras, tablets, books, laptops, and vapes among the top 10 forgotten items. Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas were ranked as the top five most forgetful cities by Uber.
In addition to the usual lost and found items, passengers have left behind some very unusual things, as reported by Uber riders over the past year. Some of these unique items include a frontal hair toupee, hot sauce and a breathalyzer, containers with spiders, a Beyoncé fold-up fan, a tray of meat pie, a ceramic cat, a jar of oysters, a small rat skeleton prop, a candle that says “See you in court,” and a gray tub of surgical implants. Other strange items left behind include police-grade handcuffs, a pet turtle, waist beads and a burrito steamer, a small box containing a gnome, Benihana garlic butter, a panic button, a framed Taylor Swift autograph, three feathers, a fake butt, a poster of Hillary Clinton, undergarments, bread, pack of ham and mayo, beard softener, paternity test, WWE championship belt, “Harry Potter” wand engraved with the name “Alexander,” and even a Jeep Liberty engine.
The annual report also highlighted that the most forgetful day of the year was Jan. 21 and that lost items were most reported during the hours of 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. With Mercury in retrograde making people even more forgetful, Uber provided tips on how riders can retrieve their lost items using the app. Calling the driver or reporting the incident through the app are the best ways to reunite with lost possessions, whether it’s a pet turtle, a Beyoncé fold-up fan, or a whole smoked pork belly.
Overall, the Lost & Found Index shines a light on the variety of items that passengers have left behind in Uber rides, showcasing the surprising and sometimes bizarre things that drivers come across. By sharing these unique lost items, Uber hopes to remind riders to be more mindful of their belongings and provide guidance on how to retrieve items that have been accidentally left behind. As Uber continues to operate as a popular rideshare service, the Lost & Found Index serves as a reminder of the importance of staying organized and observant while traveling to prevent the loss of valuable or sentimental items.
