TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A New Taipei sanitation crew in Ruifang District returned gold jewelry worth about NT$1.4 million (US$44,300) after discovering it inside a discarded wooden wardrobe on Monday, per a press release.
Sanitation workers Tsai Hsien-peng (蔡憲朋), Lin Ping-hung (林秉鴻), and Tsai Pei-min (蔡培民) were dispatched at around 9 a.m. to collect abandoned furniture in a mountainous area of Ruifang. After transporting the wardrobe to a sanitation center and preparing it for recycling, the workers inspected its drawers and found two bags containing gold jewelry, including three necklaces, one bracelet, and one ring.
The items weighed about 289 grams in total. The workers immediately turned the jewelry over to the Ruifang police.
While examining the items, police officer Chao Yen-han (趙晏含) noticed a name engraved on the gold ring. Officers then contacted the local borough chief to help verify the address associated with the name.
The borough chief also recalled that a resident in the area had recently asked for assistance in discarding large furniture and helped arrange the sanitation pickup. After further confirmation, police contacted the rightful owner, who later went to the precinct to retrieve the jewelry.
Police said the wardrobe had been discarded by the owner’s daughter-in-law, who was unaware of the gold jewelry inside.
Authorities praised the sanitation workers for their honesty, adding that the coordinated efforts of the sanitation team, borough chief, and police ensured the valuables were returned, preventing a potential family dispute ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.
The New Taipei Environmental Protection Bureau reminds residents that before moving unused large furniture such as wardrobes, cabinets, or storage units out, be sure to double-check they are empty. The period before the Lunar New Year is the peak season for the removal of large furniture.
For furniture removal services, please call 0800-010-857 or the appointment hotline of the cleaning team in your district. Please make an appointment before Feb. 6.
