Uber’s Fourth Annual Lost & Found Index is Here: And it’s Wackier Than Ever!

As we near the end of Mercury in Retrograde, which astrologists believe influences forgetfulness, we’re taking a look at what riders are leaving behind – and reminding riders how to reunite with their favourite lost items.

The annual Uber Lost & Found Index provides a snapshot of both our riders’ most commonly forgotten items and most unique lost items. It also highlights which cities are most forgetful, which times of day and days of the week people forget items most, and of course, tips on how to get your lost items back using the Uber app.

In 2019, phones, wallets, keys and headphones once again topped the list of most commonly forgotten items, with backpacks, clothing, glasses and vapes following suit.

But as we well know, riders aren’t just leaving the usual’s behind – they’re forgetting everything from braai stands, to weaves, to plasma TV’s, to helium balloons and more.

As for the most forgetful cities in South Africa? Durban and Johannesburg are tied for the number one spot followed closely by Cape town and Port Elizabeth. And which days and hours of the week are Uber riders most forgetful? The Index shows riders are most forgetful on Fridays and Thursdays, and late at night – but the most common hours, specifically are 8pm – perhaps during the rush to make dinner reservation – and from 4pm to 7pm. The full results are below!

The 10 Most Commonly Forgotten Items in South Africa:

1. Phone / camera
2. Keys
3. Wallet/purse
4. Headphones / speaker
5. Backpack / bag / folders / box / luggage
6. Clothing
7. Glasses
8. Vape/ e-cig
9. Water bottle / bottle / thermos
10. Umbrella

       The 20 Most Unique Lost Items

1. Braai Stand
2. Skateboard
3. Scanner
4. Weaves/ Wig/ hair piece
5. Plasma TV
6. X-Rays
7. Asthma pump and Medication
8. Cooler Box
9. Groceries
10. Perfume
11. Grinding Machine
12. Wheelchair Paddles
13. 100 piece cutlery set
14. Bible
15. Baby Car set and play mat
16. Helium balloons
17. Alcohol
18. Ps4 controller
19. Breast Pump and breast milk
20. Crate of eggs

The Most “Forgetful” Cities:

1. Durban
2. Johannesburg
3. Cape Town
4. Port Elizabeth

Most Forgetful Days / Times:

1. Uber riders are most forgetful on Fridays and Thursdays, and late at night.
2. People are most forgetful at 8pm (the rush to make that dinner reservation?), 4pm and 7pm.

Lost items that peak on certain days:

• People are most likely to forget jewellery/ watches/ makeup on Mondays
• People are most likely to forget their phone Chargers on Tuesdays
• People are most likely to forget passports on Wednesdays
• People are most likely to forget their books on Thursdays
• People are most likely to forget phone chargers on Fridays
• People are most likely to forget groceries on Saturdays
• People are most likely to forget a cardholder on Sundays

If you’re one of those people who left something behind, look no further than this video, which outlines the simple steps you can take the next time you leave something behind in your Uber.

The best way to retrieve a lost item is to call the driver – but if you leave your phone itself in an Uber, you can login to your account on a computer. Here’s what to do:

1. Tap “Your Trips” and select the trip where you left something
2. Tap “I lost an item”
3. Tap “Contact driver about a lost item”
4. Scroll down and enter the phone number you would like to be contacted at. Tap submit.
5. If you lost your personal phone, enter a friend’s phone number (you can do this by logging into your account on a computer, or using a friend’s phone).
6. Your phone will ring and connect you directly with your driver’s mobile number.
7. If your driver picks up and confirms that your item has been found, coordinate a mutually convenient time and place to meet for its return to you.
8. If your driver doesn’t pick up, leave a detailed voicemail describing your item and the best way to contact you.