(Singapore, February 24) — Lost items range from jewelry and luxury watches to cash, with a wide variety of belongings reported missing. Last year, the police’s lost-and-found department handled over 50,000 cases, with about half of the lost items being successfully returned to their rightful owners.
Currently, there are 32 neighborhood police stations and 56 police posts across Singapore that have designated "lost property collection boxes" for residents to drop off lost items. Every day, officers are dispatched to collect the contents from these boxes and deliver them to the lost-and-found department for processing.
According to reports from Shin Min Daily News, the collection boxes only accept smaller items. Larger items or those weighing more than 1.5 kilograms must be reported directly at the counter by the individual who lost them.
Data from the police show that the number of lost property cases handled by the department has increased over the past three years. In 2022, there were about 42,000 cases, while 2023 and 2024 each saw around 50,000 cases.
Among the lost items are jewelry, electronics, wallets, bicycles, and luxury watches. Of the 50,000 cases reported last year, approximately half were successfully traced and returned to their owners.
Once the authorities have identified the lost item, individuals can retrieve their belongings by visiting the lost-and-found counter. A quick identity verification process will allow the item to be returned within minutes.
All lost items will be kept by the police for 30 days after they are handed over. After this period, items that cannot be traced or claimed are dealt with accordingly. Cash is handed over to the government, while valuable items such as jewelry and luxury watches are auctioned. Items without value are sent for incineration.
Leveraging Technology to Improve Lost Property Handling
The handling of lost items has evolved with the use of technology, significantly reducing processing time. In 2021, the lost-and-found department was upgraded, incorporating various technological tools to streamline the process, including the introduction of AI-powered cameras.
These cameras are capable of identifying different types of lost items, such as identification cards, passports, and driving licenses. They can also automatically read names and numbers on the objects, greatly reducing the manual input of data.
Additionally, an automated system for processing repetitive tasks, like data entry, has sped up the reporting process, cutting processing time by approximately 60-70%. This system ensures accuracy, consistency, and synchronization with other departments.
Robots are also used to transport lost items from one location to another, reducing the need for staff to physically move items, minimizing labor-intensive tasks and the risk of injury. The robots are equipped with sensors that automatically stop if someone enters their path, preventing accidents.
Authorities note that these technological advancements have significantly optimized the process, making the entire system more efficient.
Strange Lost Items and How You Can Help
Deputy Superintendent Mohd Husseini, the head of the lost-and-found department, shared that they have occasionally received unusual items, such as a single shoe and a sock. These typically have little value and are disposed of after 30 days.
He also emphasized that public assistance in providing the item’s identification number, or details such as the date, time, and location of loss, can greatly aid in verifying ownership. For example, providing a phone’s serial number is helpful for recovering a lost device. If the serial number is unavailable, information like the phone case design or stickers can also assist in identification.
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