PROPERTY SEARCH

Date Published: 03/02/2023

Honest Elche woman finds 500 euros in the street and hands it in to police

ARCHIVED ARTICLE -

The Good Samaritan handed the cash back to its rightful owner in an emotional meeting organised by Elche police

Honest Elche woman finds 500 euros in the street and hands it in to police

For many, the discovery of a large amount of money in an unmarked envelope lying on the floor in a busy street would pose a major dilemma. Finders, keepers, or hand it in to the police?

But for one honest Elche woman, there was no question what to do. The Good Samaritan stumbled across an envelope containing 500 euros in the street and immediately contacted the National Police.

The difficult process of finding the rightful owner began, and eventually officers traced another woman who had earlier reported the money missing.

According to police sources, "she couldn't believe it and was immensely happy as she feared she would not get the 500 euros back".

Elche police then decided to organise an emotional meeting of the two women so that cash could be returned in person.

In a statement, the National Police said: "We are very grateful for such honest behaviour like this and deeds carried out in good faith.

"In this case, the sincere and affectionate hug given by the woman who lost the money to the woman who found it was priceless."

Keeping money found on the street can lead to a fine or even imprisonment if the amount exceeds 400 euros.

In the case of returning money or property found, the Civil Code states that the finder may be entitled to a reward of 10% of its value. However, if after two years the money/item has not been claimed, it then becomes the property of the person who found it.

Other news: Family squatting in luxury Alicante villa arrested for growing cannabis and trafficking cocaine

Image: Policia Nacional

Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox

Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)