50% of East Midlanders would hand in £500 found in the street

More than 50% of people living in the East Midlands would hand £500 in to the police if they found it lying in the street rather then pocket the cash, a poll by The Nottingham has revealed.

At a time of unprecedented financial turmoil, 51% of people in the region said their conscience would force them to take any cash they found in the street to their local police station.

Almost four out of 10 people said they would pocket the cash - and use it to buy something for themselves, or pay off a debt.

And surprisingly, 12% of the 272 people polled said they would keep the money but invest it in a savings account.

"Most of us secretly wish we would find some money in the street," commented The Nottingham's Clare Roberts. "But it's pleasing to know that if that were to happen, more than one-in-two people would do the right thing and hand it over to the appropriate authorities.

"And if doing the right thing wasn't on the personal radar of the lucky finder, then at least 12% would do the next best thing and open a savings account with a bank or building society.

"We would never condone people breaking the law. But it is pleasing to note that our research identified the understanding among 12% of all respondents that there is a real need to set money aside through savings."

The poll was conducted by The Nottingham during the period February-March 2009.