[redwitch]

From my understanding of what was written, it was definitely not the garbage company -- they came after. I'm willing to bet it was someone who drove by, saw a nice suitcase near the trash and thought it was to be thrown away. They, in all innocence (since this is a common practice in TV, picked up the suitcase and went on their merry way. Hopefully, when they open the suitcase, they'll figure out that it was not trash but rather was someone going on a trip and will return it (if not too embarassed). Even so, I would definitely put an ad in the paper and put out flyers offering a small reward and no questions asked so that whoever took it won't be embarassed to bring it back.

I would say the one lesson is never put something close to the curb that isn't okay to pick up, regardless of the day. Many of us are thrilled with the "bargains" we've found on drive-bys. If it is close to the curb, it is assumed that it is there for the taking. That's just the way of things here.

I truly hope your neighbor gets her belongings back.