PSP records over 5,000 ‘lost property not reported’ cases in three years

[Photo: Lynzy Valles]

The Public Security Police Force (PSP) received 5,237 cases of “lost property not reported” from 2023 to 2025, including 315 involving suspects, official data showed.

Macau law classifies failure to report found property as a criminal offence, as authorities continue to record large volumes of lost-and-found cases each year.

During the same period, more than 93,000 found-item reports were registered.

Common items included identification documents, mobile phones, bank cards and Macau Pass cards. Police also handled a record case involving HKD1 million in cash. Authorities said the figures reflect both the scale of lost property management and the legal risks associated with keeping found items.

Some residents said the reporting process discourages people from picking up lost items.

Speaking to the Times, a resident who found a bill on the floor during the weekend in the central district said, “If only I knew how much time it would also cost me to return such a small amount, I would have left it there. But of course, I was also worried that it may be the owner’s last money – who knows?

“If the process is like that, I’d really just leave it where I saw it. I won’t dare pick anything up that’s not mine, no matter how tempting it would be,” said another.

Under the law, finders must return items to owners but may claim compensation for expenses. If unclaimed for one year, ownership may pass to the finder. After the statutory period, unclaimed property becomes government possession.

The PSP said tourists can use the Lost Property Inquiry System or call for assistance, though collection must be completed in person.

Meanwhile, public transport operators reported more than 53,000 found items over three years, mainly Macau Pass cards, phones and wallets, with items processed differently by value before being transferred to police or relevant agencies.

Prosecutions for traffic violations

A total of 117 cases of “unsafe cargo loading” and “overloading” were recorded in the first quarter of this year. Of these, 68 involved motorcycles and 49 involved cars, according to PSP data.

For the full year of last year, 498 cases were recorded, including 295 involving motorcycles and 203 involving cars, representing a slight increase of 0.4% compared with the previous year.

Authorities said motorcycles accounted for a higher proportion of violations compared with cars.

Improper loading methods, such as placing heavy goods on footrests or tying cargo to the rear of vehicles, can affect steering stability and alter the motorcycle’s center of gravity. Loose or unstable cargo may also fall onto the road during travel, increasing the risk of collisions, sudden evasive maneuvers, or chain-reaction accidents.

Under Article 67(1) of the Road Traffic Law, motorcyclists are prohibited from carrying items that may affect driving safety or pose risks to people, property, or traffic. Violators are subject to a fine of MOP600.

Some riders, seeking convenience or lower delivery costs, transport oversized, heavy or excessive goods on motorcycles. The issue is particularly evident in the food delivery sector, where riders often carry multiple orders at once.