A GROUP of Warwick locals couldn't believe their eyes when they opened a non-descript black bag lying on the side of the highway to find it full of cash.

"I spotted this black bag at the entrance of the property we were going to," a Warwick man said.

The man, who declined to be named, told the Warwick Daily News that the group of 10 collected as much of the money as they could.

"The bag had credit cards, licences and a significant amount of cash so we called the police," he said.

The good Samaritans handed the find into the Warwick police who were able to locate the owner.

"The owner said he had left the bag and a newspaper on the back of his vehicle when he got fuel," the man said.

"He saw the newspaper blow off and stopped to search there for the bag. He searched for 5km but couldn't find it."

The bag was located about 10km further up the road.

The man said the police were called, as there was no way of knowing where the owner was or if he was in need of assistance.

"I thought it could be their life savings or anything, you just don't know."

Warwick Police confirmed the substantial amount of money had been returned to its owner.

"It restored my faith in humanity," Senior Constable Sarah Martin said.

Warwick police officer-in-charge Jamie Deacon said it was good to see that there were honest people out there.

Police recommend

•  Take a photo of how an item is found.
•  With another person, count money together.
•  Secure valuables and take another photo showing quantity.
•  Hand it into your closest police station.
•  Police will retain items for investigation for three months.
•  If owner is not found, the finder can usually claim the items.