I would like to request the number of soft toys which are handed in to lost property, and how many are re-united with their owners, for 2017 / 18 / 19 / and 20, broken down by month if possible. If specific 'soft toys' information isn't available, do you have data on toys/children's toys. I'd also like to request any information on if any social media channels or posts have been used to share any lost toy images and how often this occurs, within the past year. If there is a policy on sharing information about lost items on social media, i'd also want to request the details of this.

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TfL Ref: FOI-0344-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 6^th June 2020 asking for information about lost property.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. 

Specifically you asked:

“I would like to request the number of soft toys which are handed in to lost property, and how many are re-united with their owners, for 2017 / 18 / 19 / and 20, broken down by month if possible.

If specific 'soft toys' information isn't available, do you have data on toys/children's toys.

I'd also like to request any information on if any social media channels or posts have been used to share any lost toy images and how often this occurs, within the past year. If there is a policy on sharing information about lost items on social media, i'd also want to request the details of this.”

I can confirm that we hold the information you require.

The requested data can be found in the attached pdf document, along with some notes about its compilation. Generally speaking we do not use social media to publicise found items, including soft toys. Rather, we work to a responsive engagement model for lost property, where customers who lose an item on the TfL network are asked to log an enquiry via our website, which we then search against from our register of items that have been found. Should we have an exceptional or newsworthy item or enquiry then we may consider the use of social media channels to assist. There is no specific policy covering this approach, although we work within our social media guidelines and data protection obligations in terms of what type of information we can, or would want to, share in the public domain. Not many toys would fall into this category - however all cases are reviewed on their merits. Although often replaceable and of low value, we look after lost toys with due care and attention, recognising the sentimental value of some of them. All of them eventually find their way back to their owners or to a new home, as unclaimed items of this nature are donated to charity.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

On a more general matter, please note that the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus. It is essential for London that we continue to provide a safe transport network for essential journeys.

In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.

Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely,

David Wells

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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