ONE man's trash is another woman's treasure.

This could not be closer to the truth for Anne Lawson, who last week had her wallet stolen.

Inside the wallet was the only photo of her son on his 21st birthday before he died nine years ago.

Allora resident Mrs Lawson was shopping with her husband at Warwick IGA on December 28, when she accidentally left her bag in a shopping trolley.

The couple only made it around the block before realising she had forgotten her green eco-bag.

When they returned to the store to fetch the bag, the Lawsons were shocked to learn it had been returned - without her wallet.

"An elderly lady and man found it, then a big, bald dude heard them talking about it and he said to save them going back inside he would return it to the people at the IGA counter," Mrs Lawson said.

"Then he ran out, jumped in his white four-wheel-drive and zoomed off," she said.

Mrs Lawson said she did not care about the money, just the irreplaceable memory that was inside her purse.

"Everything in that wallet can be replaced, except one thing, a photo of my son who died nine years ago.

"It's the only photo we have of him from his 21st birthday.

"He represented Australia for karate in Japan - I just don't think he deserves to be lying in a bin somewhere, or be at the bottom of a creek bed," she said.

Mrs Lawson said the elderly couple who initially found her bag were very honest and helpful, but were taken for fools by an inconsiderate thief.

"Not only did he rip me off, but he took the elderly couple for idiots. He's got no pride whatsoever," she said.

She had a few words for the man who stole her wallet.

"How rude, crude and unattractive are you? You not only ripped off a woman's wallet, but an elderly couple - return the photo if you have it.

"You low-life plus some other words," Mrs Lawson said.

Officer in Charge of Warwick Police Senior Sergeant Stewart Day said they were investigating the matter.

"Police believe this man, may help with the investigation."

If you know this man contact Warwick Police on 4660 4444 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.