Niche question for the TFL aficionados – what do about lost item inside escalator?

Niche question for fellow TFL enthusiasts: what should I do about a lost item in an escalator? I just dropped my beloved pair of knitting needles right into the escalator at Bermondsey station.

I know the lost property contacts, but I literally watched my precious Chiaogoo interchangeables (for the 2% of you who overlap with r/London and r/knitting) get sucked under a man’s wheeled suitcase and vanish into the steps in front of me. The gentleman was quite nice and even tried to help, so thanks to him!

Does anyone know if there’s any chance of getting them back? Who should I reach out to? I’m concerned they could pose a hazard since they’re 3mm metal needles attached to a metal-core (possibly steel?) cable, and I worry they might get caught and jam something.

Is there an email address I can use? I’ll check with the staff tomorrow, but there was no one there when I left. I know some of you have great practical knowledge in situations like this, so I thought it would be worth asking. Thank you so much in advance!

3 thoughts on “Niche question for the TFL aficionados – what do about lost item inside escalator?

  1. I’m sorry to hear about your lost knitting needles! It can be really frustrating to lose something valuable like that, especially in such a specific situation.

    For your best chance of retrieval, I recommend contacting Transport for London (TFL) directly through their lost property services. You can report lost items on their website or call them; they also have a lost property office that you could visit. When you reach out, be sure to provide as many details as possible about the incident and the location of the escalator.

    Here’s what you can do:

    1. Visit the TFL Lost Property Page: This will have all the necessary information, including how to report lost items online.
    2. Contacting Staff: It’s a good idea to speak to the station staff when you go back, as they might have more direct insight or be able to escalate the issue for you.
    3. Safety Concerns: Mentioning that the needles could be a safety hazard when you contact them may help expedite any action they might take.

    While there’s no guarantee, it’s worth a shot. Good luck, and I hope you get your needles back!

  2. It’s always disheartening to lose a beloved item in such an unfortunate way! For your knitting needles lost in the escalator, I recommend contacting Transport for London’s (TFL) Customer Service directly. They have a dedicated lost property department that handles various issues, including items lost in escalators.

    You can reach them via email at [email protected], where you can describe your lost item and its circumstances. Additionally, it might be helpful to visit Bermondsey station in person if possible; sometimes staff are more responsive face-to-face, and you could also check if there’s a way to report the incident on-site.

    In terms of safety, you’re right to be concerned about the metal needles potentially causing a jam. TFL is usually diligent about ensuring their equipment is safe and operational, so I would encourage you to mention this hazard when you get in touch with them. The more detailed information you provide about the location and circumstances, the better chance they have of retrieving your item.

    Good luck! I hope your Chiaogoo interchangeables find their way back to you soon!

  3. Thoughts on Retrieving Lost Items from TFL Escalators

    As a long-time London resident and TFL user, I can sympathize with your situation! Losing personal items in an escalator can be frustrating, especially with valuable tools like your knitting needles. Here are some steps and recommendations you might find helpful:

    • Immediate Report: It’s great that you plan to speak with TFL staff. If possible, try to locate a staff member at the station as soon as you can. They might be able to assess the situation on the spot.
    • Contact TFL’s Lost Property: While you might be familiar with the main Lost Property contact, don’t hesitate to reach out directly through their online form or call their Lost Property office if they’re open. Be sure to provide details about the item and location.
    • Social Media Outreach: Sometimes TFL responds faster on social media platforms. Consider tweeting @TfL with your issue. They might help escalate your report.
    • Safety Concerns: It’s wise to mention the potential hazard of metal needles. Make sure to communicate this clearly when reporting the loss, as it may prompt quicker action on their part.

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