A man in New Zealand was shocked when he walked out of his café and realized his truck had been stolen—but he was even more surprised when it was returned four days later with an apology note and gifts inside it.
Varun Chada told The New Zealand Harold he had finished up at his café for the day and was getting ready to leave. After reaching his vehicle, he realized he needed to pop back in to grab something. Unfortunately, he didn't take his keys with him.
Chada said that when he returned to the lot, his truck was gone. A neighbor's security footage captured the perpetrator who stole the vehicle in the short time Chada was inside.
But when the truck appeared in the exact same spot just four days later, the owner thought perhaps he was "going crazy all over again."
What's even crazier, though, is that the thief not only returned the vehicle in perfect condition, but they also returned it with an apology note and some gifts for Chada's child.
The person explained in the note that they were drunk and needed a ride home.
Yikes.
All that was missing was about a quarter tank of gas and his plates, and that seemed to be enough for Chada.
"They could have sold the tent and some other stuff, but it's all in there."
"I'm not condoning what they did was fine, but I mean they gave it back and they said 'sorry.'"
"So, yeah, I'm stoked to get it back."
You can watch the story below.
Focus: Cafe owner’s stolen truck returned with sorry note | nzherald.co.nzyoutu.be
Some people on social media felt the thief made up for the initial infraction with the safe return of the vehicle, plus a note and presents to boot.
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
Others, however, noted this story should be a lesson for everyone.
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
Many, of course, could not get over the thief admitting he was "drunk and needed a ride home."
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
@nzherald/TikTok
Despite the return of the truck, Chada said the vehicle is staying put at his home while police complete forensic testing as the case is still being investigated.
That's such a crazy experience, but we're glad he got his vehicle back.
Next time, just call an Uber!
@Sebachambe/X
@_e_tto/X
@tedcruz/X
@whatevervisions/X
@GroksHandler/X
@texan77581/X
u/CantStopPoppin/Reddit
u/Fullfullhar/Reddit
u/RealisticBus4443/Reddit
u/iampuh/Reddit
u/Throwaway-centralnj/Reddit
u/bac2qh/Reddit
u/pabloivan57/Reddit
u/jenroberts10156/Threads
u/priyankawalia/Threads
u/mi2media/Threads
u/b.a.d.company94/Threads
u/adventuredad2025/Threads