Have you seen my glasses? What about my wheelchair?

Europcar urges holidaymakers to check their hire car before handing it back as it reveals the surprising – and not-so-surprising – items left in rental vehicles

Over the last 12 months, Europcar Mobility Group UK discovered a wide range of personal belongings left behind after vehicles are returned at the end of a rental. Glasses and sunglasses are easily misplaced, so it is unsurprising they top the list. However, clothing items, keys and mobile phones are not far behind and could be much more problematic losses. Onward journeys may prove boring for the many drivers who left their headphones in the car.

Top Ten items left behind in rental vehicles – May 2024-May 2025

1. Glasses / Sunglasses
2. Clothing
3. Keys
4. Miscellaneous
5. Mobile Phone
6. Bank Card / Credit Card
7. Personal Bag / Purse
8. Headphones
9. Wallet
10. Blue Badge

“Other important items left in vehicles include personal bags and handbags, bank cards, wallets and Blue Badges that allow parking in disabled spaces,” commented Sarah Clarke, Consumer Marketing Manager of Europcar Mobility Group UK. “Not making the top ten but certainly sticking in the minds of station staff were the forgotten sporran and abandoned wheelchair. We have to wonder how that customer continued their journey!

“Drivers may be in a rush to catch a flight, get to a meeting or just get home to unpack, but a final sweep of the vehicle could avoid some serious inconvenience if important items are left behind.”

Europcar’s London branches recorded the highest number of lost items, representing more than 13% of all lost property. Branches in the Yorkshire and Manchester cluster came in a close second with 12%, and Heathrow Airport staff recovered 9%. Summer holiday season is the busiest time for lost property, with July and August seeing the highest numbers of items left behind, while December and January saw the lowest number of items left behind.

Sarah Clarke continued, “Many items are successfully reunited with their owners, but when they can’t be we donate as much as possible to local charity shops to reduce waste. Another thing that we are delighted to donate is the loose change left behind. Since May 2024 our agents have collected approximately £10,000 worth of UK and foreign currency from vehicles in the UK, and all unclaimed cash was donated to MacMillan Cancer Support.”

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tracker and police shut down 60 illegal chop shops in 2024

And arrest 80% more suspected criminals in the process compared to 2023

LONDON – 5th March 2025 – Stolen vehicle recovery expert (SVR) Tracker Network U.K. and U.K. police forces uncovered a record 60 illegal ‘chop shops’ in 2024. This compares to just two chop shops found in 2020 and underlines the rapid growth of organised crime gangs in using chop shops to dismantle stolen cars, strip them of parts and sell them on for profit. It’s a lucrative business for the unscrupulous, but in 2024, not only did Tracker and the police shut down an unparalleled number of chop shops, but they also made significant strides in outsmarting thieves by making 144 arrests  – an increase of 80% year-on-year.

The discovery of these illegal chop shops was a direct result of police locating stolen vehicles fitted with Tracker devices that benefit from a unique combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology. Crucially, these devices are immune to jamming, a method often employed by thieves to mask a vehicle’s whereabouts, such as chop shops. Not even industrial-sized jammers police frequently find when raiding chop shops are a match for Tracker’s technology.

Finding the chop shops was also a triumph for other car theft victims. In addition to the Tracker-fitted stolen vehicles found in chop shops last year, another 179 other stolen vehicles hidden in the same locations were also recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

“Our struggling economy means people are keeping their vehicles for longer, at the same time the cost of car parts has increased markedly, which has resulted in an unprecedented demand for good quality second-hand parts,” explains Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker. “Professional criminals have been quick to take advantage and meet demand. And it’s not just premium marques that thieves are targeting. We are increasingly recovering models manufactured in high-volumes, such as the Nissan Juke and Kia Sportage.”

Tracker is the only stolen vehicle recovery provider that is supported by all 43 police forces in the U.K. Over 2000 police cars and all police helicopters are equipped with its technology.  Clive Wain continues, “We are incredibly proud to be working hand-in-hand with U.K. police forces, making record numbers of arrests while firmly closing the door on illegal chop shops.

“However, we are a long way from winning the battle. According to DVLA figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request, 2024 saw the third-highest number of cars stolen in the past decade, confirming that the car crime epidemic is not waning. Whilst manufacturers are investing heavily in vehicle security to combat tech-savvy thieves, the culprits are quick to adapt. Indeed, we are seeing criminals revert to ‘old school’ methods to steal cars, such as breaking into houses or physically threatening and assaulting owners to take keys. It’s clear owners need to do all they can to keep their vehicles safe and whilst a Tracker device won’t stop a car from being stolen, it will significantly increase the chances of it being recovered before it’s been broken down for parts.”

If you are covering car theft and would like to speak to Clive Wain about the above, or any other relevant topics, please contact Justine Hoadley, Clare Watson or Cecile Stearn at HSL, 020 8977 9132 or tracker@harrisonsadler.com

Monday 23 September, 12–2pm: Hendersons 7-13 Barclay Place, EH10 4JB

Event Highlights:

• Delicious Vegan Food: Enjoy a sumptuous vegan meal for just £10.
  • Lunch Options Include:
    • Freshly made soup with a crisp, vibrant salad
    • Hearty soup paired with a delicious, handcrafted sandwich
    • Tasty sandwich served alongside a refreshing, garden-fresh salad
    • Creamy, indulgent vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheese – comfort food at its finest
  • Socialise: Meet other older vegans and vegetarians in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Healthy Eating: Indulge in nutritious and health-conscious vegan cuisine.

Kim Stringer, V for Life’s Director (Scotland), commented:

“We know that loneliness can often affect older adults, however events like this lunch club help foster meaningful connections over a shared passion for good, healthy food. Our aim is to create a space where individuals can enjoy a sense of belonging, alongside wholesome meals designed with their nutritional needs in mind. It’s not just about the food – it’s about building a supportive community of like-minded people.”

Barrie Henderson Hendersons Director says;

“We value the work that VfL does and look forward to welcome new faces at our new joint lunch club. Sharing lunch and making new friends is vital and especially in cities like Edinburgh – older people can feel isolated and lonely.”

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect with the vegan and vegetarian community. We look forward to welcoming you to this special event!

V for Life is the UK charity working on behalf of older vegans and vegetarians. V for Life strives to be the first port of call for information, support, and advice for older vegans, vegetarians, their families, friends, and a broad range of care caterers.

https://vforlife.org.uk

The award-winning chefs at V for Life bring tailored cookery workshops directly to communities all over the UK. Whether hands-on or demo-based, their sessions are designed to suit the unique needs of each group, offering simple, nutritious recipes that anyone can master.

Claire Bannerman, V for Life’s Roving Chef (Scotland) says:

“For those unable to attend in person, we also provide virtual sessions – a lifeline for carers or those with mobility challenges. These include live demos or interactive cook-alongs, allowing participants to cook together, even from a distance.”

About Hendersons ….

Hendersons first opened in Edinburgh 1962, blazing a trail for the vegetarian and healthy-eating lifestyle.  Initially an outlet for the organic produce grown at Janet and Mac Henderson’s East Lothian farm, it expanded to a bistro bar and the popular Salad Table restaurant. This pioneering approach to dining earned Hendersons iconic status on Scotland’s food and drink scene.

Almost six decades later, in the summer of 2020, Hendersons ceased trading as a result of lockdown, much to the dismay of their long-standing customer base.

In order to preserve Janet’s legacy, her grandson Barrie Henderson opened a new restaurant in October 2021 serving wholesome vegan and vegetarian food made with fresh, organic, local and sustainable produce.

Hendersons Eat Better Live Better stands by the values that the original Hendersons also stood for, such as using locally sourced whole food and organic ingredients as much as possible.

The menu is accessible enough for everyone but also contains plenty of options for people with specific dietary requirements and we hope you will visit us soon!

Reservation Details for V for Life / Hendersons Lunch Club:

To secure your spot, book in one of the following ways and quote “lunch club 2024”:

• Phone: 0131 202 1635
• Email: hello@hendersonsrestaurant.com
• Website:hendersonsrestaurant.com

V for Life is a charity registered in England and Wales, number 1120687.

Venson Automotive Solutions named in the ‘100 Trusted Brands in Fleet’ report for the second consecutive year

Voted for by fleet managers as one of the UK’s most trusted Leasing & Salary Sacrifice businesses

www.venson.com

The third edition of the 100 Trusted Brands in Fleet Report, launched this morning, reveals the products and service suppliers that vehicle fleet managers can rely on, including Venson Automotive Solutions, one of the UK’s leading independent fleet management specialists.

The 100 Trusted Brands report is a who’s-who of the fleet supply chain and is the only national award that is 100% voted for by fleets. It takes the guesswork out of sourcing fleet suppliers, with peer recommendations reinforcing future buying decisions. 400 UK fleets were interviewed during quarter-one of 2024, to determine their future fleet expenditure and to identify those brands that are positioned for growth^*.

The report reveals that the Leasing category – which features Venson – delivers the greatest numbers of trusted brands, with Fleet & Risk Services and Tracking rounding off the Top 3. Meanwhile, EV Services is joint fourth, with eleven brands featuring in the report.

Samantha Roff, Managing Director for Venson Automotive Solutions comments, “We are delighted to have been recognised yet again by those that matter – the fleet managers we work in partnership with to support their vehicle leasing and salary sacrifice needs. We pride ourselves in standing by our company values which see us deliver accountable customer service by specialists in our field who have true integrity. Our inclusion in the ‘100 Trusted Brands in Fleet’ report reflects the efforts of the entire Venson team working to support our company ethos of Customer First.  We are immensely grateful to those who voted for us.”

The report also shares exclusive research on electric vehicles, revealing confidence among car fleets as they transition to EVs. 62% of fleets expect to have at least 50% of their vehicles powered by electric by 2028, while large fleets are most likely to have progressed their electric-car adoption, with just 3% of them having not yet started their BEV journeys. But there is still work to do to make EVs mainstream, just 41% of fleets have reviewed their monthly rental bands for their car choice lists to accommodate electric cars, while 54% of fleets provide the option to trade-up to an electric car.

In addition, the report analyses fleet expenditure plans, with significant investment planned for workplace charge points, driver training and driver evaluation tools. EV payment solutions are the number-one priority to assist the transition to electric vehicles.

When asked how fleets can simplify their fleet in the future, 18% of car fleets revealed that ‘consolidating suppliers’ was a priority.

The Editor of the ‘100 Trusted Brands in Fleet’ report, John Sootheran, adds: “This report makes  shortlisting decisions much easier and quicker for fleet operators, and it increases confidence and justification in their choices. In any business, time is money, and making the right choices is critical. That makes our instant-shortlisting data more important and valuable than ever.”

Who is your #BikeHero?

Dad! And Sir Chris Hoy of course…

With just 2% of cyclists having learnt to ride a bike at school, Balanceability urges nurseries and primary schools to play a much-needed role in getting children bike-ready

 A survey of bike-riders by Balanceability revealed that 55% were taught by dad, 13% self-taught, and 11% by mum^*.  Just 2% were taught at school.  As the UK celebrates its biggest annual awareness-raising event for cycling – Bike Week 10-16 June – dads are unquestionably wearing the #BikeHero crown.

When asked who their overall #BikeHero is, respondents to the Balanceability survey placed Sir Chris Hoy, 11-time world champion and a six-time Olympic champion, in first place, followed closely by Sir Bradley Wiggins with Victoria Pendleton, CBE, in third position.

Balanceability, the UK’s only afPE-approved learn-to-cycle programme offering packages for schools, local authorities and leisure sites for children aged 2½ years and upwards, is joining Cycling UK, the not-for-profit charity behind Bike Week, in spotlighting the #BikeHero.  This year’s campaign calls upon cycling enthusiasts to inspire others, with Balanceability urging teachers and teaching assistants at nurseries and primary schools to do the same.

One in five cyclists surveyed by Balanceability said they learnt to ride a bike before school age, with the majority (61%) confirming they learnt to ride when they were primary school age, albeit just 2% or all survey respondents said they learnt at school.

The Department of Transport’s Bikeability Level 1 is for children 6+ years, with other Government cycle programmes aimed at children 10-11-years-old, so Balanceability fits as the precursor. Not only does Balanceability teach children how to ride without stabilisers, but also teaches balance, gross motor skills, core stability and of course, having fun through physical activity.

Samantha Wright, Commercial Manager for Balanceability, part of the TTC Group, explains, “Children learn to crawl before they walk and walk before they run, so why expect a child to progress from riding a bicycle with stabilisers, to riding a bicycle without? The opportunity to master the key aspects of static and dynamic balance is essential, however, for many children, schools provide the most accessible, and sometimes only opportunity for regular, structured play, physical education, physical activity and sports. Cycling should be an integral part of the curriculum, starting at the earliest possible age.”

Balanceability offers a sustainable programme for schools to promote the physical benefits of cycling for children as young as 2½ years old, as well as providing a fun and engaging activity. Schools can purchase a Balanceability Pack which includes all the equipment, resources and training required to deliver the sessions as a sustainable programme. Balanceability can be run by teachers indoors or outdoors as part of the weekly regular PE activity and has been developed to fit into school lesson planning. The programme offers children the ability to become competent cyclists at an early age through the development of balance and control, with 94% of children aged 4 to years 6 years old able to safely ride a pedal bike at the end of the programme.

Olympic Gold-medal winning cyclist and a passionate promoter of cycling across the UK including Balanceability, Chris Boardman, MBE adds, “We need to develop confidence and cycling skills at the earliest stage in our children.  Balanceability is specifically decided to deliver this and is the fundamental starting point for children’s cycling and an excellent opportunity to promote active lifestyles at the earliest possible age.”

Price overtakes battery as the most important factor for drivers considering going electric in latest Venson survey

www.venson.com 

Key Survey Findings:

In a rerun of the Venson Automotive Solutions ‘Attitudes to Electric Vehicles’ survey[1], 44% of drivers said that price will be the most influential factor if they switch to an electric vehicle (EV) this year. Battery range was top of the list of considerations for those surveyed in 2021 (45%) but this has now slipped down to fourth place.

Free installation of an at-home charger was placed as the second biggest priority this year (37%) followed by charging time (35%). Joint fourth place went to battery range and safety ratings, with 33% of drivers placing each of these as a deciding factor. In 2021, price came in second with 41% of votes, safety ratings in third place with 30% and charging time 29%.

When asked what further action the next government could take to encourage take-up of EVs, respondents to the 2024 survey believe financial incentives would bring the greatest benefit (44%), followed by increased investment in public charging points (26%) and more clean air zones in cities (12%). 11% would like to see new legislation introduced to encourage businesses to move to fully electric company car or commercial vehicle fleets in the next 5 years.

“SMMT data shows that sales of new and used EVs are soaring, with fleets accounting for a huge proportion of new sales” commented Simon Staton, Client Management Director at Venson Automotive Solutions. “It is perhaps unsurprising, given the extended cost of living crisis, that vehicle purchase price and charger installation are such significant considerations for potential EV buyers. With purse strings restricting buying decisions, financial incentives would understandably be gratefully received.

“Whilst businesses are playing a significant role in driving EV adoption, they could potentially propel the number of drivers opting for electric company cars further still by helping drivers fund home charger installation, through monthly salary deductions, loan or perhaps offering as a recruitment or retention incentive as well as ensuring vehicle options include models with the fastest charging times and greatest battery range.”

When it comes to what is changing drivers’ minds about switching to electric, three factors are working together to improve perceptions: improvements in charging infrastructure have increased confidence for 40%, 39% are encouraged by the positive impact EVs are having on reducing emissions and falling prices have helped change the minds of 38%. A wider range of vehicle options and greater confidence in owning and maintaining EVs have also helped for 20% and 19%, respectively.

Simon Stanton continued: “As we look ahead to the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, and the net zero pledge, it is encouraging to see drivers’ attitudes shifting and confidence increasing. Education on the reality of living and working with an electric car can help encourage drivers to move to electric.”

To help fleet managers and company car drivers understand the costs and convenience of EVs and address key concerns that could be creating barriers to greater EV ownership, Venson offers a number of free whitepapers. Visit www.venson.com/White-Papers for more information.

But road safety expert TTC calls upon local authorities and fleet managers to offer training programmes to boost rider confidence

• More than 50% of consumers would consider riding an e-scooter for leisure or business use if training were on offer
• 89% of would-be riders called for a rider assessment to be put in place – similar to the cycling proficiency
• Sustainability and environmental benefits are the key drivers behind growing consumer appetite, followed by avoiding traffic and saving time

With over 30 local authorities across the UK weighing up the opportunity to extend and scale-up their electric scooter trials following an announcement by the Department of Transport, new research from TTC, the trusted training and compliance expert, suggests that consumer appetite for riding e-scooters for personal and business use is on the rise.[i]  Over 50% of those surveyed said they would consider an e-scooter as an alternative mode of local transport.

Sustainability and environmental benefits were the main reasons respondents would like to use e-scooters, with one in three placing this as the most important factor in the decision. Avoiding traffic was the second most common reason, followed by saving time.

Alongside announcing new regulations that enable local authorities to request changes to the geography and fleet size of their e-scooter trials, the government also issued guidance on purchasing, charging and using e-scooters. However, TTC’s survey suggests that not enough emphasis is being placed on ensuring riders of rental scooters have the right skills and road safety knowledge to benefit from their availability.

One in two consumers expressed skills and safety concerns and one in four respondents said they would only consider using an e-scooter locally if they received road safety training. Furthermore, 19% would only scoot if they could use dedicated lanes – like cycle lanes.  Most respondents (89%) felt e-scooter riders should be required to complete an assessment similar to the cycling proficiency test before being able to rent a scooter to ride on the road.

Jim Kirkwood, CEO of TTC commented, “E-scooters provide a great way to get around towns and cities without relying on crowded public transport or polluting cars. However, many people are put off from taking advantage of rental schemes because they do not feel ready or safe to scoot on the road. With interest growing, a lack of experience and knowledge is a simple roadblock to remove via dedicated training that boosts rider confidence.

“Courses are readily available to support individuals in gaining the skills and knowledge required to ride safely and confidently on the road. Local authorities and businesses can offer these courses to increase the use of zero emissions mobility for local journeys without putting personal and business use riders at risk. While local authority trials continue across the UK, we hope to see consideration given to implementing an e-scooter proficiency test or mandatory training course for new e-scooter riders. This could boost take-up by giving riders confidence, whilst keeping all road users safe.”

• More than 1/3 (36%) of those asked said they would not invite someone with tricky dietary requirements to their Christmas dinner 

• Almost half of Brits (43%) say that a traditional Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings is their favourite meal of the year 

• Research conducted by Leisure Range Cookers has revealed that 59% said the most challenging part of cooking a roast dinner is getting all of the elements ready at the same time 

• In-laws voted the most stressful guests to cook for at Christmas (21%) 

Almost half of Brits (47%) hosting Christmas dinner admitted that they would lie and serve a vegan guest a non-vegan dish in a bid to make their lives easier. Furthermore, a shocking 36% of those surveyed admitted they’d avoid inviting anyone with any challenging dietary preferences to their Christmas dinner.

As we head into the much-anticipated festive feasting period, one of the UKs leading range cooker brands, Leisure, has conducted new research into the beloved traditional roast dinner to investigate how Brits really feel about hosting this season.

Today’s Christmas dinner guests often come with a whole host of dietary preferences, which can complicate the already hectic process of catering for friends and family. In fact, this research has shown almost 60% of those asked find getting all elements of a roast ready at the same time to be the most stressful part.

Creating a large roast dinner for guests who each have their own preferences and requirements can be a challenge – especially with limited oven space. This is why Leisure’s versatile range cookers are the top choice for hosts. The option to have up to three ovens and a grill enables cooks to create multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. This means home chefs can focus on creating unforgettable memories with their guests, while the appliance takes care of the cooking. In addition to offering more cooking space Leisure’s 110cm Cuisinemaster range cooker (CS110F722) multifunction oven features a ‘keep warm’ setting that helps cooks to keep food at its optimal temperature for as long as needed before serving – an essential feature for Christmas Day!

Preparing the perfect Christmas dinner can be incredibly stressful for home cooks aiming to deliver a top-notch roast. As 43% of Brits say it is their favourite meal of the year, hosts are eager to meet their guests’ high expectations. Traditions passed down by older generations can also heighten these feelings of anxiety as cooks try to impress family members, with 21% saying that in-laws are the most stressful people to prepare a Christmas dinner for. Deciding on the perfect trimmings to serve with the Christmas dinner makes hosts worry even more, as opinionated Brits weigh in on the debate. Perhaps controversially, Leisure’s research has revealed that 64% of Brits think every Christmas dinner should include a Yorkshire pudding.

It’s not just Christmas dinners that cause Brits stress – the typical Sunday roast can be just as stressful an occasion, with research showing almost three-quarters (72%) of Brits can experience some stress when preparing a roast dinner.

Those who regularly commit to preparing a traditional roast know it’s not a simple skill to perfect, and executing it well needs staying power, as almost 40% of Brits spend at least four hours cooking a roast dinner.

Marketing Director at Leisure, Vijay Bhardwaj, said: “We were surprised to see so many Brits would be cheeky enough to lie to their vegan guests, but do understand the pressure that comes with hosting a Christmas Day that truly caters to everyone. Our range cookers are designed to help elevate customers’ cooking experience, and the option to have up to three ovens and a grill in just one appliance helps to simplify cooking for all of the family – no matter their dietary choices.

“This additional space means home chefs can simply pop the vegan alternative into its own oven while the rest of the dinner cooks in the other ovens separately. The ability to have multiple dishes cooking at the same time all at different temperatures means hosts can provide a delicious dinner for every guest while spending more time with loved ones, and less time in the kitchen.”

The research, conducted by Paddy Power Games, quizzed Brits on some of the biggest food debate topics, including the hot topic that has been raging pizza lovers up and down the country for years, found 63% were in favour of having the zesty fruit on their pizza.

And it’s those aged 45-54 who are most accepting of the pineapple on pizza, with 71% in demand of the fruity topping.

At the other end of the table, Brits aged 18-24 are against having the fruit in question on their pizzas, as more than half the population (52%) in that age bracket, admitting that it’s not acceptable.

Ages of those in favour of pineapple on pizza:

The survey also asked Brits about what they put in their bowl first when eating cereal, with 4,000,000* Brits confessing to pouring milk in their bowls first.

Those in Birmingham are guilty of this the most, finding 15% of people pour milk into their bowls first. This is closely followed by residents in London (12%), with those in Brighton & Hove (11%) completing the top three.

Most surprisingly, the survey found 6% of Welsh residents have never had cereal in their entire lives.

Top five UK cities who pour milk first before cereal in a bowl: 

A spokesperson for Paddy Power Games said: “Brits love arguing over nothing, and we thought we’d stoke that fire by seeing how they feel about pineapple on pizza.

“With 63% admitting they’re partial to a fruity pizza, we want to extend our deepest apologies to the great people of Italy who will no doubt be outraged by this culinary atrocity.”