I found CASH in car I bought at dealership – drivers say ‘you wouldn’t return car seats’ so why should I return my haul
A DRIVER has stumbled upon a cash treasure found at a vehicle bought from a dealership.
The motorist took to social media to share the incredible find to fellow car-owners.
The motorist sparked debate among motorists about whether they should keep the unexpected windfall.
Taking to Quora, the user wrote: “Is it okay to keep money you found in a car you bought from a dealer?”
The question divided car owners who shared a flurry of opinions and personal experiences.
Many said the driver has the right to keep the unexpected windfall regardless of the amount.
A cheeky user replied: “If you found £10,000 or £100,000 in the door panels – just don’t tell anyone in case the owner is a ‘bad guy’ (most likely) and wants it back.
“Then you can point to the dealer as the one who must have the cash.”
Another added: “Yes, you purchased the vehicle. Are you going to give the car stereo back? or the seat covers? Hell no!
“That’s your money buddy. Like as in you own it ,congratulations!”
More cautious drivers advised the user to be more discreet, with one saying: “Put it a safety deposit box until you no longer own the car or you are away from the area.”
A second penned: “A used car is sold ‘as it is’. That would include anything found in it. The problem is, is the cash stolen?”
But others said larger sums of cash should be reported to the cops immediately.
One user penned: “A few thousand carefully hidden I’d report it to the police.”
Another explained: “If you find £25million in bundles strapped inside the wheel wells, you’ve suddenly got a big problem, and spending any of that could possibly implicate you in a major crime.”
A third wrote: “No, the money must belong to someone and it isn’t yours so keeping it is theft.”
Experts advise against retaining cash found without making efforts to locate the owner.
According to the Theft Act 1968, you could be breaking the law.
It comes as new rules could mean your car is now worth a small fortune as demand for older models rockets upwards.
London drivers are opting for classic cars in an effort to swerve the ULEZ charge being expanded by mayor Sadiq Khan to cover all the capital’s boroughs next week.
What does the law say?
IF you ever are lucky enough to spot a stash of money hidden away in your newly-bought vehicle, you might need to return it.
Martin Pizzey, partner at Stephensons Solicitors, said picking up someone else’s dropped cash could see you breaking the law.
The act is known as “theft by finding” and applies to situations where you’ve taken something and “dishonestly” kept hold of it.
Under the Theft Act 1968, you would be classed as having done this if you did not take “reasonable steps” to find out who the cash belonged to.
Under the law, this could mean not handing the note in the nearest police station.
When it comes to taking a note into your local police station, Martin said: “Tell the officer on duty your name, where you found it, at what time, and that you don’t know who it belongs to.
“Ask for a receipt, and ask that if no one comes to claim it in four weeks, can you come and collect it.”