Thief returns stolen phone with apology letter
TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- A man stole a cell phone from inside a Trenton business, and when the surveillance video of the crime hit social media the thief decided to return the phone with a hand written apology.
"I was shocked because I've never seen something like that in person."
Laureen Culliton is talking about surveillance video from last Friday where you can see a man swiping a cell phone from a desk at Butch's Welding on Courtland Street in Trenton. The phone belongs to her brother, Lawrence Mikos.
Lawrence tells us, "It's money out of my pocket and everything. I got Christmas coming up I didn't want to pay for a new phone already."
Looking to identify the thief and warn others, Laureen posted the video on Facebook. Word got back to the thief and Wednesday Lawrence found a box that had been tossed over the fence with his phone and a handwritten apology letter inside.
The letter reads in part: "I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm not that type, but a situation can lead some to do dumb things."
In his letter, that the thief begged forgiveness and said he stole the phone hoping to make money selling it because he's desperate.
"I'm trying to find work and my kids are in need," the letter said.
Butch Mikos of Butch's Welding says he's had hard times of his own and thinks it took courage to write that letter and apologize.
"The note proves that he does have a conscience and he does have remorse. Everybody deserves a second chance," Butch said.
Mikos says he's not interested in pressing charges and would like to meet the man in person for a one-on-one apology.
Laureen tells us, "He had the adrenaline, as he mentioned. He saw the phone, he saw an option for quick cash. And it's just kind of sad that people would rather go to stealing rather than asking people for help."
Trenton police say they are continuing the investigation. The sim card was missing from the phone when it was returned, and if the thief really wanted to do the right thing he should surrender to police.
