Saratoga News

Honest citizen turns in cash he found in a cart

By Michelle Alaimo

Saratoga resident Bing Kwong Tam picked up more than he bargained for while shopping at Marina Foods in Cupertino Sept. 15. Tam noticed a bag sitting alone in a shopping cart, and inside was more than $1,000 in cash. Without a witness around, Tam took the money, put it in his car and drove off to the Westside Substation in Saratoga.

"It's not my money," Tam said. "I didn't want to give the money to the wrong people."

Tam said that when he opened the bag, he saw a lot of money and then closed the bag again, without even counting the cash.

Sheriff's Department officials said Tam was only concerned that the $1,022.82 in small, nonsequential bills reach its proper owner and didn't even inquire about a reward.

David Leu, who owns a Fosters Freeze in Boulder Creek, which is where the money was from, said he plans to give Tam some kind of reward for returning his money. Leu, who lives in Cupertino, said he brought the bag of cash into the store because he didn't want to leave it in the car. After doing a little shopping, Leu planned to go to the bank and make a deposit.

About 10 minutes after leaving the store, Leu said he noticed he didn't have his deposit bag with him. After inquiring with the store's cashiers and manager if the money had been turned in, he said he gave up and didn't think he would ever see the money again.

"It's refreshing that integrity is still the main concern for some people," Sgt. Michael Van Leiden said. "It goes to show you that integrity is still alive."

The money was later returned to Leu, who was able to identify what was in the bag all the way down to the two silver dollars. The Sheriff's Department was able to trace the money back to the owner because of a phone number and business name imprinted on the bag.

"I'm very appreciative to Bing for his honest behavior," Leu said. "I'm very thankful because I own a small business and can't afford to lose $1,000."

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