Request ID: FOI-3493-2324 Date published: 22 January 2024
You asked
Can you pls ensure:
1. that the data is only of underground services of TFL
2. The data should be a breakdown per year from 2010-2023
3. The data should be only of Children’s toys
QUESTIONS:
1. 1. The total number of LOST TOYS AND THEIR TYPES (soft toys, board games and any other children’s toys), found across all underground services of TFL.
2. 2. The total number of lost toys and their type (soft toys, board games, and any other children’s toys) CLAIMED and NOT CLAIMED by their owners.
3. 3. The total number of LOST TOYS THROWN AWAY/DISCARDED by the TFL.
4. 4. The total number of lost toys and their type DONATED TO CHARITIES for CHRISTMAS donations.
5. 5. The TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN BENEFITED from the CHRISTMAS lost toy donations.
6. The total number of lost toys and their type (soft toys, board games, and any other children’s toys ) SOLD AT AUCTIONS and the MONEY EARNED from it.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3493-2324
Thank you for your request received on 4 January 2024 asking for information about lost children’s toys found on the London Underground.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked for:
1. The total number of LOST TOYS AND THEIR TYPES (soft toys, board games and any other children’s toys), found across all underground services of TFL 2. The total number of lost toys and their type (soft toys, board games, and any other children’s toys) CLAIMED and NOT CLAIMED by their owners
Please find the requested information in the table below:
Items found on London Underground stations
Soft Toys
Board Games
Other Children's Toys
Total
Claimed
Unclaimed
Total
Claimed
Unclaimed
Total
Claimed
Unclaimed
2010
110
6
104
28
3
25
96
3
93
2011
137
9
128
14
1
13
123
2
121
2012
117
8
109
11
0
11
146
5
141
2013
180
7
173
16
0
16
134
5
129
2014
197
8
189
9
0
9
179
9
170
2015
237
11
226
14
1
13
227
5
222
2016
236
9
227
14
0
14
178
6
172
2017
274
7
267
16
4
12
217
8
209
2018
263
17
246
24
4
20
181
7
174
2019
275
14
261
22
2
20
238
8
230
2020
91
0
91
4
0
4
65
0
65
2021
159
6
153
9
1
8
92
3
89
2022
263
8
255
13
0
13
190
4
186
2023
241
3
238
12
0
12
217
3
214
Please note the following:
• It is not possible to verify each item to ensure it is a children’s toy as descriptions are sometimes vague. • Item found on their own are included. Items in a rucksack or other type of container are not. • Items from October 2023 can still be claimed and the data is correct as of 11/01/2024
3. The total number of LOST TOYS THROWN AWAY/DISCARDED by the TFL 4. The total number of lost toys and their type DONATED TO CHARITIES for CHRISTMAS donations 5. The TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN BENEFITED from the CHRISTMAS lost toy donations 6. The total number of lost toys and their type (soft toys, board games, and any other children’s toys ) SOLD AT AUCTIONS and the MONEY EARNED from it
All unclaimed toys are given to charities, we do not hold any data concerning the toys once they have been donated.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
