Thief returns stolen Christmas light and leaves apology letter

A Winnipeg woman said the thief who stole her laser, projection Christmas light from the front yard of her East Kildonan home has returned it and left an apology letter saying he's sorry.

Darlene Geiger said she noticed a bag hanging on the front gate outside her home on Jamison Avenue late Wednesday morning.

She looked inside and was surprised to see that it was her projector light that was stolen a few nights ago.

"I couldn't believe my eyes." Geiger said, adding she also found a note attached to the light.

The note said: "Sorry for the inconvenience. It was a mistake and not for the purpose you think. marry xmas."

Surveillance video showed a man who appeared to come out of a cab take Geiger's projector light in the early hours of December 12.

• Man caught on tape going to great lengths to steal Christmas light projector

Geiger said after she found her Christmas light, she checked her security camera and saw video of a man returning the light but he was in disguise.

"He came to the house with a towel on his head or a blanket covering his head." Geiger said.

Geiger believes a taxi driver stole it.

"I still don't know who it was I thought maybe if I looked at the camera I could see what cab company it was."

Geiger said the light was in good condition and she's thrilled to have it back in time for Christmas.

But she still doesn't understand why the light was taken in the first place.

Geiger said she has a message for the thief.

"Thank you for bringing it back, and you scared the heck out of me for taking it in the first place, but I appreciate you bringing it back." Geiger said.

Geiger said she no longer plans to pursue theft charges.