Odd Things Found in a Lost & Found Bin: Money, Pillows and More

There are many stories of people losing things, and some do find their precious items, whereas others disappear forever. This is something that happens to everyone every once in a while, whether it be losing your keys, mobile phone, jewelery, coat or iPod!

I have lost and found many things in my time, but I can't go past the $4,500 I found in the apartment I moved into with my family. That's right $4,500! This was sitting in a glass Nescafe 500g Jar, which was hidden in the top of the toilet below the lid that carries the water ready for you to flush. It was casually floating and seemed like it had been there for a long time before anyone noticed it. I did the right thing and reported it, only to find out that its owner was a little old lady who had forgotten where she had left her savings. She was alone and very distraught after her husband passed away, before she moved out and had forgotten all about the money although she was very grateful!

At school there were many items left in our lost and found and if not claimed within a week, they could be taken home by the finder. It was "Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers" as the saying goes. I found many items, such as a pillow, which was left over from camp (how could you forget your pillow?)

The strangest thing I have ever found though was when I was working in a big city restaurant; I found a woman's vibrator and yes clearly picked it up with gloves only to give it to our store manager who placed into the lost and found bin. Believe it or not the lady came back the next day to collect this item without being embarrassed!

If you have left something behind somewhere always notify the business as soon as you remember and if you are at a restaurant it is best to take note of the table and keep your receipt for added confirmation if and when your item is found.

I think the most crucial thing is to remember the person's name - who served you - whether it is a supermarket or a restaurant because this will always trace back correctly to the shift they were working and so the time will be known and you can trace the exact location such as aisle 7 or table 3. Remember to keep your personal possessions on you at all times and don't forget to check your belongings before leaving your location and if in doubt check again!