How would the PI know/speculate that some of her belongings were in the woods? This does not make sense.
It makes sense to me. I work in retail and often have to investigate stolen purses. The first place to look is in the bathroom trash cans. I often find everything but the cash.
shhh!
Yeah it makes sense.....when intruders steal, they often dump what they do not want nearby.....it’s happened to me.
Burglars often discard useless loot near the scens.
Always look in the immediate vicinity, first trash can, first storm drain, etc. after a burglary. Perp doesn’t want to be seen walking down the street with a purse on his arm. Usually makes people suspicious, unless it’s San Francisco.
Others have pointed out that a thief will dump items that they don't want or that would attract attention.
In addition, the thief will want to dump items that are particularly incriminating. Cash is usually okay, because few people can identify by serial numbers the bills that have been stolen. But if a person is found with another's credit card, there can be little to reduce the presumption of criminality. If the credit cards and/or ID or an identifiable wallet or purse are not going to be sold, then they would be dumped at the first opportunity.
The only reason for taking unwanted incriminating items to begin with is to reduce the duration of the crime itself, hoping to reduce the chances of being caught in the act.