(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Dh619,000 in cash, 7,836 mobile phones, 453 passports, 1,201 electronic devices and 254 laptops: These were among over 31,000 items reported lost in taxis in Dubai this year.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said its call centre's Lost & Found Unit handled 31,073 reports of lost items from January to September this year. About 99.9 per cent cases were resolved, said the authority.

Other items that were reported lost included 53 jewellery items and 41 iPads/tablets.

Mehailah Al Zahmi, director of Customers Happiness Department, Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, RTA, said: 'We return the lost items to their respective owners once we receive reports from them. This achievement is credited to the cooperation of our taxi drivers, who display high levels of integrity and honesty.

'Our taxi drivers may sometimes experience certain conditions, such as exhaustion, that preclude them from reporting items left behind by riders. Here comes the role of the Lost & Found Unit in making a quick response to incoming reports. It can identify the vehicle thanks to the details supplied by the rider. The handing back of found items depends on the quick reporting of the case and the full provision of details.

She said the 'common practice is to hand back lost and found items within three working days 'if full details are provided. It could take up to seven days if complete information is not provided. 'However, in most cases, a response is made to the customer within one day only. There are some urgent cases where the action is taken within a few working hours, said Al Zahmi.

Taxi drivers who report items left by customers in their vehicles are honoured and motivated. 'It will also have a positive bearing on their careers, and contribute to attracting more riders to this service.

The official called on passengers to double-check that they haven't left anything behind. 'They are also encouraged to keep a record of the vehicle's number and the place at which the trip is terminated as a backup in case of any emergency.

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