The California State Controller, Steve Westly, announced that his office’s unclaimed property program is holding $4.8 billion, some of which may belong to local residents.

When a bank account or safe deposit box is not accessed for more than three years and the bank cannot find the owner, the account balance or box contents are turned over to the state office so that the funds or items can be returned to the rightful owners.

To help residents find lost property, the office has set up a Website at www.searchthevault. com. By typing in one’s name, the computer will reveal whether the office has property for that person. Claimed funds will be returned free of charge.

A property owner or heir can make a claim at any time. Many people find property that belonged to a deceased relative. The office is currently holding 7.6 million accounts.

In addition to bank accounts and safety deposit boxes, the office has the value of uncashed cashiers checks and money orders, stocks, bonds, unclaimed paychecks, overpaid utility bills and insurance premiums, and brokerage, escrow and other account balances.

Sometimes people find $20. This year, a person found a watch worth $1.5 million in a forgotten safety deposit box. Last year, the average person received $997.

For more information or assistance, please call (800) 9924647.