We’ve all misplaced something on public transport at least once, but some train passengers are taking “forgetfulness” to a whole new level. A British railway company, Northern Trains, recently revealed its hilariously bizarre lost and found list—and it’s a collection you wouldn’t believe if it wasn’t true.
From a live hamster to a prosthetic leg and even a 22-pound box of chicken breasts, the list of items left behind on Northern’s 2,500 daily train services is nothing short of mind-boggling. In fact, over 32,690 lost items have been reported since July 2022, with busy stations like Manchester Piccadilly and Leeds being the prime hotspots for these incidents.
A Peek Into the Quirkiest Finds
- Prosthetic leg: Imagine realizing halfway through your journey that your leg is missing!
- 10kg box of chicken breasts: Yes, someone left a massive box of poultry behind.
- A live hamster: Hopefully, it found its way back to its owner.
- A bike—helmet still on the passenger’s head: Perhaps the rider forgot the most important part of their cycling kit.
- Crutches and wigs: Essentials, yet left abandoned.
While such unusual finds stand out, mobile phones, laptops, bags, and umbrellas remain the most commonly forgotten items.
The Lost Property Process
Northern Trains’ commercial and customer director, Alex Hornby, stressed the importance of passengers checking their belongings before leaving the train. “Losing something can be extremely stressful, and our staff works hard to reunite items with their owners,” he said. However, unattended items often lead to security alerts, causing delays and disruptions.
Unclaimed items are kept for up to 90 days, after which they may be donated to charity or disposed of.
Not the Only Rail Company With a Quirky Lost-and-Found
Northern’s amusing collection isn’t the only one that’s caught the public eye. On New York’s Long Island Rail Road, forgotten items have included a violin, a karaoke machine, and even an engagement ring.
So, next time you board a train, remember to double-check your seat before you leave—because you wouldn’t want your wig or hamster to end up on a hilarious lost and found list!
