But would have an effect on someone who isn't scatter-brained, but has
left something behind.

If they're still on the train, then they don't realise that they're about
to leave something behind.

Sorry - in the process of leaving something behind. As in they are with
their soon-to-be-lost property, but have forgotten they have it with them.

If they've just left the train, then by the time they DO realise, the
train
doors are closed and the train is just disappearing into the tunnel...



People this dismally stupid go through life in a haze that the witty
denizens of Usenet would not even realise as sentience. Watch them stand in
front of ticket gates fumbling in their rucksacks. Watch them drop things
whilst waiting at cashpoints or checkout queues for no apparent reason

I really want a place to get away from these ****wits. Yes I do want to read
my book, and yes books are optimised for a slightly longer attention span
than the Metro is; do people get bored upon finding their phones don't work
underground and they need some waffle to listen to?