Yeah, there is really little you could do, perhaps try a Craigslist ad or perhaps turn them over to the police. I've done the same as you did but with a purse, got a very nice card with a gift certificate from the lady too.

But I've kept some stuff. A few tools, some brand new work gloves and a bungee cord or two. I've cleared a bunch of stuff because it looked dangerous. i saw an old ,mangled up pair of real Channellock pliers once, they were so big and riuned I just threw them in the ditch, they were right on the edge of the pavement and would have caused serious harm to anyone who would run over them, bike OR car.