Bags of adult mags and toys left on buses

The bus company's unclaimed items came in all shapes and sizes

A whole suitcase full of retro adult magazines was among the items catalogued by a bus operator's lost property department last year.

Other unusual items revealed by Oxford Bus Company include a jar of raw chicken, snooker cue, bag of wigs, and a fancy-dress serial killer kit with a rope, cable ties and overalls.

In total 4,117 items were left on the company's buses and coaches in 2024. Of these 10% were successfully claimed.

Those left unrecovered were donated to local charities or safely disposed of after a set period.

Sex toys

Also among 2024's strange stash was a Dolce and Gabbana panettone, magic wand, washing basket, and a miniature violin, presumably best played in the presence of overly-dramatic people.

A rucksack full of sex toys and a tub of Vaseline rounded out last year's strictly un-PG haul.

Bags, umbrellas, and mobile phones continued to be commonly-left objects in the company's vehicles.

Head of customer experience Andy Morison said: "Scores of items are left on our buses and coaches weekly and we highlight the unconventional ones to help remind people that we keep lost items.

"Regardless of what people forget to pick up, all lost items are stored by our team and can be collected either in person or received through the post, so belongings are returned to their rightful owner.

"It is always worth checking with our team if you lose something on one of our services as it's likely we'll be able to assist."

Mr Morison encouraged anyone inadvertently separated from their possessions to log them on the company's website "which has helped us effectively manage lost property and minimise stress to affected passengers".

He added: "The number of recorded lost items this year increased by almost a third, as passenger numbers on our services continued to grow, so we encourage customers to make sure to check their surroundings before leaving the bus and continuing with their day."