Dara Khosrowshahi, Chief Executive Officer | Uber
Uber has released its annual Lost & Found Index, a report that highlights the variety and frequency of items left behind in its vehicles. The report offers insights into the most commonly forgotten items as well as some of the more unusual items lost by riders over the past year.
Phones, keys, and wallets were the top three most commonly left items. New York City was identified as the most forgetful city, and October 26 noted as the most forgetful day. Camiel Irving, VP of Operations and GM of Mobility US&C at Uber, remarked on the unusual items left behind: “From wayward mannequin heads to live lobsters, Uber riders have left behind some truly unforgettable items this year.”
The report also mentioned 1.7 million phones reportedly left behind, noting that retrieving lost items is accessible through the Uber app. "Whether essential or totally unusual, we understand how important it is to be reunited with your lost belongings. The Uber Lost & Found Index celebrates the most unique and commonly forgotten items, while reminding riders that getting support to retrieve their prized possessions is simple through the Uber app," said Irving.
The index gave examples of unique items forgotten, such as a Viking drinking horn, a Ghostbusters ghost trap, and a live turtle. It also showed trends like misplaced legal documents and trendy exercise gear.
It provided practical advice on retrieving lost items, suggesting users open the Uber app and use its features to reach drivers, showing a structured approach to returning lost property.
Regarding popular hours for lost items, between 11:00 p.m. and midnight were peak times, often coinciding with nights out.
A notable trend was the frequency with which red-colored items were left behind, hinting at the popularity or visibility of the color.
For those interested in what has been left behind over the last year, the full list displayed an array of items from various categories, illustrating both common forgetfulness and the quirkiness of human habits.