Truck thief returns vehicle within days — he also surprised owner with touching note and toys for his son

Varun Chada, owner of the Auckland-based cafe Kati Street in New Zealand, was wrapping up his workday when he discovered his truck was missing from where he’d parked it.

A neighbor’s security camera revealed that the theft happened in the brief five minutes Chada was inside his cafe. Acting quickly, Chada reported the incident to the police and shared a post on the cafe’s social media. The post included an image of the suspect from the footage and a request for tips from the public.

Four days later, the truck reappeared exactly where Chada had left it. In conversation with the New Zealand Herald, Chada said, "The first time I thought I was losing my mind because I'd just walked inside and the second time I rocked up and it was parked there." 

Chada was shocked and promptly notified the police. The truck was in the same condition as it had been, having only lost about a quarter of a tank of gas and the license plates. Whoever took the truck left some new toys for Chada's son in the truck and also felt obligated to leave an apology note. The note explained that the man who stole the truck needed a ride home since he was drunk. 

Chada said, "I couldn't believe it. It was exactly where I'd parked it, and I walked up to the window, and there was a note inside it." Chada also added that while he doesn't condone what the thief did, he is stoked to have had the truck returned safely to him.

A police spokesperson said, "Despite the return of this stolen vehicle to its owner, police are continuing to investigate the theft and are following positive lines of inquiry." However, it's safe to say that all's well that ends well.

This article originally appeared 11 months ago.