Ever walked out of Hotel Steyne in Manly and realised something was missing? Police are now sorting through hundreds of cards, wallets and phones left behind over several years.
More than 400 bank cards, 43 wallets and 13 mobile phones left behind at Hotel Steyne have been handed to police, revealing just how many people walk away from the busy beachfront venue without their valuables.
Police confirmed the items were collected by the pub over the past two to three years before being delivered in bulk to officers earlier this week.
Police begin search for owners
Officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command are now working through the large collection of lost property, trying to identify and contact the rightful owners. Authorities said many of the items contain identification, including driver licences and cards that have already expired, showing how long some have been unclaimed.
Police are contacting people through letters and text messages where details are available. Some items belong to people who live outside the Northern Beaches, including interstate residents and overseas visitors, which adds to the challenge of returning them.
Officials also noted that only a small amount of cash, around $40, was found across all the wallets.
Police believe many of the items were accidentally dropped or forgotten during visits to the busy venue. Wallets may have slipped from pockets or bags, while cards could have been left on the bar after payments for food or drinks.
Community urged to check for missing property
Authorities have asked anyone who visited the hotel in recent years and may have lost personal belongings to come forward. Police say filing a lost property report through the NSW Police online portal will improve the chances of recovering items.
So far, only a few people have come forward to claim their belongings, despite the large number of items now in police custody.
Police say the process of matching items with owners will take time, particularly where contact details are missing or outdated.
Published 26-March-2026
