PLAISTOW — Police are on the hunt for an apologetic thief who was so remorseful after stealing a woman's purse that he returned its contents — along with an extra $10 and a lengthy apology letter.
Police said the thief, dubbed the “Remorseful Robber,” had a change of heart after his thievery made headlines.
The thief reportedly stole the purse July 18 at the Plaistow Market Basket. The victim told police that her purse was taken from the seat of her shopping cart. The purse was later found in another shopping cart under toilet paper, but the woman's wallet containing $90 and her GPS were missing, Deputy Police Chief Kathleen Jones said.
The woman then informed police on July 21 that she had received a notice from a post office in Tewksbury, Mass., stating that her wallet had made its way there and would be sent to her.
But the strangest twist came on July 26 when the woman heard a knock at her door around 8 p.m. She opened the door and found the thief standing there holding her GPS and her stolen money.
Jones said the man said he was sorry and then put the cash, GPS and an apology letter on the ground before running off. He decided to return the items after the case hit the media, police said.
“He also gave her an extra $10 and a new cord for the GPS,” Jones said.
In his letter, the thief wrote, "To the lady I have victomized (sic). I sincerly (sic) apologize for what I have done to you last week. I have never stolen from any individual. This was out of character for me. I can't get this out of my head so I am returning your GPS with an extra charger and also giving you back $90 plus $10 and I dropped your wallet in a mailbox which I hope you received with nothing missing.
"This is no excuse for me for what I have done but I feel better if you know that I did not go there for that. I was shopping and I walked by your purse which was unattended for about 10 minutes in the aisle. I did not follow you or stalk you and even know what you looked like. I just waited and then got stupid when no one came for it.
"I hope you can believe me when I tell you this will not happen again and I am sorry a million times over. I have some problems that I need to fix before I lose everything. Sorry and Thank You."
He signed it, "Stupid."
While the woman was glad to have her money and GPS back, Jones said she found it a bit unnerving that the thief would show up at her house.
Jones said the victim is now afraid, adding that it's more important now than ever that police find him.
“She was obviously surprised by what took place,” Jones said, adding that it's the first time she's ever seen a thief return the stolen goods to the owner's house.
The thief is described as a white man with fair skin, 5-foot-10, heavy set, with blue eyes, short light brown hair and a light brown close cropped beard and mustache. He is believed to be in his late 20s to mid-30s. He is also described as wearing name brand baseball caps (Nike/Patriots), dark colored, older cargo shorts with large pockets, dark colored name brand T-shirts (Nike), and newer Converse high tops, light gray sneakers or sandals.
Police said he also drives a newer red car similar to a station wagon.
Police are following up on a few tips but are asking for the public's help in their search.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Plaistow Police Department at 382-1200.