Family searches for cash stash

A SUBSTANTIAL sum of money, tucked away in an old suitcase left a Beaconsfield family in a desperate search for the new owner.
The suitcase was mistakenly donated to the Salvo Store by a family member who did not have knowledge of the cash hidden in the lining of the baggage.
On Tuesday, Salvation Army communications officer Major Brad Halse confirmed that the suitcase was sold at the Beaconsfield store, but watered down claims that the money exceeded $100,000.
He also said that the suitcase had not yet been returned, despite Narre Warren Detective Sergeant Garry Kear telling the Gazette the suitcase had been recovered on 18 March at a Narre Warren house.
Det Sgt Kear said police tracked the new owner through his EFTPOS transaction and said a Narre Warren man was expected to be charged on summons after spending the money himself.
“They purchased the suitcase unaware of the money, but when they found it they spent it for their own causes,” he said.
“In that light it changes the nature of the whole thing – they should have contacted the police or Salvation Army straight away.”