MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- More than 25,000 people got a pleasant surprise during 2008 -- with the return of a total of $28 million in unclaimed property.

State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass says the totals were higher than the previous year by 1,000 people and $3.3 million, respectively.

Under state law, after one to five years of inactivity, businesses must turn unclaimed money, stock and safe deposit boxes to the state treasurer's office for safekeeping.

The office currently has about $324 million, plus another $26 million in stock assets, that are unclaimed.