Tube passengers are being urged not to climb onto the tracks to recover dropped belongings after the number of reported incidents more than doubled in three years.
Transport for London (TfL) has issued a renewed safety warning following a sharp rise in reports of items ending up on the tracks across the Underground network.
Between 2022 and 2025, the number of reported incidents rose from 209 to 438 — an overall increase of around 110 per cent.
The sharpest jump came in 2025, when reports surged by 166 incidents, rising from 272 to 438 — an increase of approximately 61 per cent.
Now, TfL has warned that anyone jumping down onto the tracks to recover belongings is putting themselves in serious danger and could face prosecution.
Trespassing on the tracks is a criminal offence and can result in a criminal record and fines of up to £3,000.
The transport authority said the electrified rails used on the network can cause serious injury or death to anyone attempting to retrieve items themselves.
While most passengers already seek assistance from staff, TfL says it is increasing the number of safety posters across the network to remind customers of the risks and encourage them to ask for help instead.
Passengers who lose an item are being urged to alert a member of staff, who can use a specialised Track Retrieval Device to safely recover belongings without needing to access the tracks.
In some cases, staff may still need to enter the track area to retrieve an item, although this may need to wait until the end of service.
Passengers are advised to always stand behind the yellow line, to keep an eye on their belongings and avoid rushing to help prevent incidents.
Mark Evers, TfL’s lead on Customer Insight, Strategy and Experience, said: "When a valuable or important personal belonging falls onto the tracks, it’s natural to panic, but that moment of panic can cloud our judgement. Going onto the tracks to retrieve the item is extremely dangerous, endangering ourselves and others.
“No item’s worth that risk. We urge everyone to stay behind the yellow line and take precautions to prevent items from falling. If something does fall, our trained staff are ready to help, to save you putting yourself and others at risk."
