Is honesty still the best policy these days?

A WOMAN found £20 on a shop floor, pocketed it – and was then convicted of theft. We asked our Email Jury if they thought people were less honest these days. And if they found a tenner in the street, what would they do with it?

The saying “honesty is the best policy” stands but there are a lot of dishonest people still about today. I think this case was a waste of time for just £20 but that person won’t do it again. John Grant, Oxford.

I am not certain whether people are more or less dishonest these days. What I am certain about is that, thankfully, there are still lots of honest people around. Ian Roxburgh, Kilmaurs.

This case was a waste of time and money. If the lady was willing to hand it back that should have been the end of it. Margaret Brown, Rutherglen.

I think people are about as honest today as yesterday. If someone finds money on the floor, I always thought they could keep it, unless of course they are employees in the store. David Tualnian, Los Angeles.

I would hand it in. It would have been better to give the person concerned a warning, rather than a court case. Joseph Clancy, Glasgow.

I remember finding some money when I was a child and my mum took me to the police station to hand it in. I got a lovely letter from the old lady who had dropped it. I would hope that if I were to lose money, someone would be kind enough to do the same. Lorna Smith, North Yorkshire.

Unless it was obvious who dropped it I would likely keep it. Courts have more to do than prosecute people for such a small demeanour. Hamilton Mclean, Harwood.

I would hand it in to a police station. Mind you, I found £180 on the stairs of a store. I handed it in to customer service and left my name, address and phone number. I never heard anything so after about six weeks I asked if anyone had claimed it. Someone had. I wasn’t looking for a reward but I think a thank you would have been in order. Nancy Taylor, Kilmarnock.

I think if you picked up a £20 note out walking the dog, fair enough to pocket it but in a store it should have beeen handed in. If not claimed it goes into a charity box. Robbie Russell, Elgin.