Lost But Not Forgotten

A man in Zurich collects items left by travellers in the country.

18:41 09 July 2015

If you’ve ever lost an item while traveling through Switzerland, it is more likely that Roland Widmer, the founder of Fundsachenverkauf (or Lost property sale), has it. 

 

Widmer established his one-of-a-kind company in 2005 to relieve Switzerland’s mushrooming lost property departments. 

 

He said: "Every month we get 8,000 found objects,"

 

"The most common item is glasses. We get around 20 pairs every day."

 

So far, it has been a successful enterprise. He pays partners such as Zurich airport or postal service a flat fee for each item. 

 

"At the moment, we have a diamond bracelet worth 26,000 francs (£17,600, $27,000) and a watch estimated at 36,000" 

 

He added that designer clothing, sunglasses, laptops and even musical instruments are common finds. 

 

In Switzerland, travellers are allowed only a specific time to reclaim their belongings. 

 

"Below a value of 50 francs [£34, $52], objects are sent to the Fundsachenverkauf shop after one month," says Donatella Del Vecchio, spokesperson for the Swiss rail company SBB.

 

"Beyond 50 francs, SBB will retain the item for three months, in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Act."