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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Desperate for help (Birmingham, Twitter, car keys, NCP)

406 replies

LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 13:06

AIBU to beg for help from strangers on the internet?

I’m on holiday in Birmingham with three kids. I parked in an NCP car park on Monday night and we’ve been staying in a car park since.

We checked out this morning to leave and head home (Brighton) via Coventry to see my Nan (90 years old).

I can’t find my car keys 🤦🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
5128gap · 04/08/2023 14:07

Google auto locksmiths Birmingham. Its Birmingham. You can't move for car related businesses. I bet you'd get one for less than the AA quote.

Original poster
LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 14:08

RectangleCushion · 04/08/2023 13:14

Call your breakdown people. If you don’t have one, two questions:

  1. Are you close to an accessible brick?
  2. Whats your experience of hot wiring?

Thanks @RectangleCushion, I always thought my youth was misspent but now I realise if this was the case, I wouldn’t be in this mess.

OP posts:
Redglitter · 04/08/2023 14:09

Have you looked at any local Facebook pages for the area you're in. If anyone in my area finds anything like keys or bank cards etc they post on the local page

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 04/08/2023 14:09

There's a Facebook group called "lostbox" that you can post details on and search to see if they have been found.

butterpuffed · 04/08/2023 14:09

It doesn't sound like you put them in an ordinary place....you said you pulled them out instead of something else and said keys wouldn't help . What was it you were meant to be reaching for.....do you remember what it was, where it was ?

Lapirogue · 04/08/2023 14:09

Something similar happened to me. I was ready to head for home and couldn't find my car keys anywhere. Checked near car, hotel reception, keys nowhere to be seen.

I had a zipped pocket on the front of my suitcase and assumed that when you unzipped it the pocket went downwards, but in fact the keys were above the zip as it was in the middle. I hope that makes sense!

Good luck!

Theimpossiblegirl · 04/08/2023 14:09

I'd retrace your steps from when you were going the wrong way, asking in any shops/pubs.

Is there a local FB or neighbourhood group?

Original poster
LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 14:10

5128gap · 04/08/2023 14:07

Google auto locksmiths Birmingham. Its Birmingham. You can't move for car related businesses. I bet you'd get one for less than the AA quote.

Local quote was £280 plus VAT @5128gap

OP posts:
caerdydd12 · 04/08/2023 14:11

What about a courier for the spare rather than asking someone to drive them down? Same day courier will be cheaper than a replacement key, as long as someone has a spare house key to grab it?

TrundleWheel76 · 04/08/2023 14:11

Is there a fridge/minibar in your room? Have you checked in there?

TheMousePipes · 04/08/2023 14:12

Which hotel in Birmingham are you in? Where were you when you pulled the keys out by mistake?

momtoboys · 04/08/2023 14:12

I don't have any ideas that haven't been suggested, but I'm sorry you are going through this.

5128gap · 04/08/2023 14:12

LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 14:10

Local quote was £280 plus VAT @5128gap

Show quote history

Have you rung around a few? There's some small businesses out there who might negotiate. Offer a mention on MN!

CantFindTheBeat · 04/08/2023 14:13

Whereabouts are you in Birmingham, OP?

Joining a Facebook group like the top one here, and post for help?

Desperate for help (Birmingham, Twitter, car keys, NCP)
ASuccculentChineseMeal · 04/08/2023 14:14

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Original poster
LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 14:14

butterpuffed · 04/08/2023 14:09

It doesn't sound like you put them in an ordinary place....you said you pulled them out instead of something else and said keys wouldn't help . What was it you were meant to be reaching for.....do you remember what it was, where it was ?

I’m trying to recall what I was looking for when I pulled them out @butterpuffed, and from where.

I remember saying something about not needing my car keys for the situation we were in. Nothing more at the moment.

I think I was in a shop. Sainsburys local perhaps. I sent a kid to ask in the co-op but I’m seriously disappointed in the lack of helpfulness I’ve experienced so far.

OP posts:
ChessieFL · 04/08/2023 14:15

Did you have to go and pay for parking when you got to the car park? Might you have put them down in the pay machine? Long shot but they might still be there or have been handed in to car park security.

Whiskeypowers · 04/08/2023 14:15

LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 13:59

Police were suffering from chocolate teapot syndrome, unfortunately @Whiskeypowers.

Can you recommend a page/group on FB?

Show quote history

sorry but not a surprise there with the plod

on my Facebook feed it’s local communities some are private groups you have to join others are public .
or the next door app is good for things like this.
you’re central Birmingham currently right?

Danikm151 · 04/08/2023 14:17

If you were here for the commonwealth festival- see if there’s a lost property there. Also the main library.

at least the hotel staff have been kind!

fingers crossed for you

PriamFarrl · 04/08/2023 14:17

Whiskeypowers · 04/08/2023 14:15

sorry but not a surprise there with the plod

on my Facebook feed it’s local communities some are private groups you have to join others are public .
or the next door app is good for things like this.
you’re central Birmingham currently right?

Show quote history

The problem with Nextdoor is that you have to apply to join with proof of address.

PetsPalace · 04/08/2023 14:17

Have you used any loos when you've been out and about? Might have fallen out there or you've taken them out to get to something else and not noticed them next to your bag when you've left.

rileynexttime · 04/08/2023 14:19

Maybe we could all try a group prayer to the appropriate Saint ? Sorry can't remember who it is .

Original poster
LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 14:19

The car park is both my best bet and the most unhelpful.

The number just rings and rings, there is no-one on site, they don’t seem to use Twitter, no online chat help, only email and the auto response says they’ve received my query and they’ll respond within 14 days!

I feel like the Michael Douglas character in Falling Down.

OP posts:
Original poster
LostCarKeys · 04/08/2023 14:19

rileynexttime · 04/08/2023 14:19

Maybe we could all try a group prayer to the appropriate Saint ? Sorry can't remember who it is .

Yes please @rileynexttime. I believe it’s St Anthony.

OP posts:
hauntedvagina · 04/08/2023 14:20

Have you tried pressing the help buttons on the pay machine or exit barrier? That's the most direct route to speak to a person.

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