The victims of a theft in Guelph were surprised to find their stolen items returned along with an apology note just a day after the break-in occurred.
On Thursday evening, the screen door of a home on Fletcher Court was used to gain entry and several items were stolen including an Xbox and digital camera worth over $1,000.
The following morning, the homeowners contacted Guelph police to explain they had found a plastic bag containing the stolen items on their front porch.
Along with the returned items, they also found a letter titled ‘apology’ and $50 to cover the damage to the screen door.
The letter reads, in part: “Dear Family I have wronged. I’m the one who committed the serious crimes against your family and I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart…
It was nothing personal and I didn’t go through and of your personal belongings. I have been having a very hard time financially lately and I made the worst mistake of my life.”
Guelph Police Sgt. Doug Pflug calls the situation incredible, “Instead of ditching the property in a garbage can or what have you, they returned it.”
There has been much speculation about what prompted the change of heart, some say it could be an involved mother while others speculate it may be guilt or empathy.
Either way it’s the second time in less than a year that police in Guelph find themselves looking for a repentant thief.
In August 2011, a gym bag full of stolen items was returned along with a letter of apology.
The apology letter in this case even includes a promise to “commit at least 15 hours of community service to partially help atone for what I have done.”
The homeowners weren’t available to speak with CTV News, but were reportedly as surprised by the turn of events as police.
Despite the apology, investigators say it’s still a crime and they’re looking for the suspect.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 519-824-1212 Ext. 7160 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
