A man who allegedly stole a luxury watch worth 46 million yen (approximately US$290,000 or RM1.2 million) from a shop in Tokyo stunned staff by returning the timepiece through a parcel delivery service, accompanied by a handwritten apology.
The theft took place on the evening of October 29 at a watch store inside Nakano Broadway, a popular shopping complex in Tokyo’s Nakano district known for its concentration of luxury watch retailers.
Police said the suspect approached a salesperson and asked to try on a watch kept inside a locked display case.
After being allowed to put it on, the man suddenly fled the shop with the timepiece still strapped to his wrist.
The stolen watch was made by Swiss luxury brand Audemars Piguet and was valued at 46 million yen.
After escaping from the building, the suspect disappeared into the narrow streets surrounding Nakano Broadway.
However, investigators were able to trace his movements using footage from several security cameras in the area.
Despite the theft, the watch was unexpectedly returned on the morning of November 1, when a cardboard box sent from Aichi Prefecture arrived at the store through a parcel delivery service.
Staff opened the package and discovered a watch matching the stolen item’s model and serial number, along with a handwritten letter of apology containing the words: “I’m sorry.”
The watch appeared to be in good condition, with no noticeable damage.
However, the person believed to have sent the package remains at large, with investigators continuing their search for the suspect.
The unusual development has sparked debate online, with many questioning whether the thief returned the watch because he feared being caught.
Some commenters argued that returning the stolen property did not erase the crime, while others suggested that expensive watches should only be presented to customers in a secured room.
The incident has also revived concerns over watch thefts at Nakano Broadway, following another high-profile robbery at the shopping complex earlier this year.
Despite the return of the 46-million-yen timepiece, public reactions have largely rejected the idea that an apology should be enough to settle the matter.
