Lost and Found Items: Best Practices to Follow!
Every day, nearly 1,300 items are forgotten in public transportation! From common items like umbrellas to more unusual ones like a wedding dress, an urn, or even a wooden leg. But what's important to remember here is that these items, whatever they may be, hold value for those who have forgotten them.
So, we're sharing the best practices to adopt in order to bring a smile to the faces of those who have lost or forgotten an item in public transportation. We'll also explain why it's equally important to report the loss of an item. No one is immune, and this information could be useful to you too! 😊
Have you found an item?
Be kind and drop it off at a station counter!
If you find an item on a metro train, RER, bus, tram, train, or even in the metro corridors, take the time to go to the nearest station counter! The item will be recorded and stored by the on-duty agent, increasing the chances of it being reunited with its owner. Found items are kept at the station for 48 hours and are then sent to the police prefecture.
Have you lost an item?
Report the loss of the item quickly to an agent, or even better, directly online.
Recall the last place where you saw your item. Head to a station agent to report the loss of your item. They will record your loss in the dedicated application. But even better, make your report directly online using this form: online declaration form. Be specific. If the lost item is not easily identifiable, provide as many details as possible about the item itself and where you believe you misplaced it. This will help identify it among the many items forgotten each day and prove that you are the rightful owner.
Once the loss is recorded, you will be contacted if your item is found or directed to a station if it has already been found.
The case of luggage, suitcases, and sports bags: best practices
If you find or see an abandoned suitcase, handbag, shopping bag, or sports bag, quickly inform a station agent or use the emergency call buttons on the platforms for safety reasons and to minimize the impact on traffic.
Best practices: Identifying luggage and packages
It is highly recommended to have a label with your name, address, and phone number on your personal belongings. Just like on trains, labeling is mandatory for suitcases, luggage, and packages. You can print the labels at home or request them at the station.
Good to know: Consequences of forgetting luggage
Why label your luggage? Forgetting luggage has many consequences for other passengers! One forgotten bag can disrupt traffic for an hour.
The carrier can also file a complaint for an offense if the forgetfulness has consequences on traffic.
In case of forgetting luggage or a package at the station, a fine of €150 may be issued (or €200 if payment is made at a later date) if the owner is identified.
