Peter,

that's rotten news - although you might be able to use any insurances to reclaim license fees etc (some bank accounts provide it, as do some household policies). But the reality it that it's firstly a complete violation and secondly a pain in the backside.

Just a suggestion - go back today to the local area and have a look in the bins on the street nearby. They don't get emptied till tomorrow and from experience, these people will dump the wallet ASAP, they can get arrested and charged if found with it in their possession. Other peoples names on cards etc make it hard to explain. They'll have removed cash and flung the rest quickly. Won't cost you anything to check and may turn up trumps.

As for the tickets - without knowing the company you have used, most will have a procedure for issuing tickets in these circumstances. It won't appear on any websites or literature to prevent criminals from abusing it. You'll need plenty of persistence and having the children to hand will also help (even the most hardened call centre operator will balk at explaining to a child why they can't go away).

Good luck with your search, it might well turn up at the back of the shops or at the verge of the park.

John