As much as we all like to believe that we live in a safe and secure world, the unfortunate reality is that there are people out there who will do whatever it takes to get what they want – even if it means breaking the law.

We here at the SDC feel for those of you who have been victims of crime, whether it's your home being broken into or your belongings getting stolen outright. It's a scary feeling and one that can leave you feeling violated long after the event itself.

But every now and then, something happens that restores our faith in humanity just a little bit – and this story is definitely one of those times.

Recently, a New Zealand couple woke up to find their car had been broken into during the night and had its battery stolen. Bear with us, it takes a turn.

But instead of being angry or upset about it, they were actually quite touched by what they found.

One couple discovered that their car battery was stolen overnight. Credit: Shutterstock/fongbeerredhot. (Stock photo)​

You see, the thief didn't just take their car battery and leave; they actually left them a handwritten note apologising for their actions and promising to pay the couple back as soon as they could.

'I'm so sorry I had to do this,' the note read. 'When I am in a fortunate position, I will put $200 in your wipers.'

The couple posted a photo of this 'nice' note on social media, along with their shocked reaction at finding it, which quickly went viral online.

In an interview with a news outlet, the East Auckland residents said they weren't angry about being inconvenienced due to the stolen car battery. Instead, they wished that the thief had just knocked on their door and asked for help.

'I personally felt a bit sorry that he was in such strife that he turned to crime,' said the wife, with her husband adding: 'It was an inconvenience, but I thought this is someone who is absolutely desperate. The element of anger was taken away. I feel for people at the moment who have to resort to petty crime.'

The thief left a note promising to pay the couple back their money. Credit: Daily Mail.​

It seems that the victims' compassionate response left many on social media in awe – with many saying they wish they could be as 'nice' as the couple when they were faced with similar situations.

Others, though, criticised them for being too forgiving towards a criminal act. 'It's hardly "heartbreaking". It's "lawbreaking". Not sucked into the poor wee criminal illusion,' one person wrote in the comments.

Another added: 'So as of now, all criminals will start writing excuse notes, and no one will ever go to jail…'

What about you, members - what do you think? If you were in the victims' shoes, would you be as forgiving as them? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Ezzy]

I've had something stolen from me that is irreplaceable.
I employed 2 men from a removalist company to assist me packing up my household items when I had to move.
There was an area I asked them not to touch, as I was dealing with the papers, photos and items in this area.
I saw one of the men in this area in the morning
He moved away when I reminded him to O leave that area to me.
When he was there again in the afternoon, I went crook at him.
When my things which had been packed up were transported to my temporary home, I looked for my camera.
It took me hours by torchlight, as the power hadn't been turned on.
No camera. Also missing was my purse, $50 in an envelope and my extra keys.
I returned to my home, and found the keys and purse thrown under my house.
My $50 in an envelope (a gift to help me with my removal costs) was never seen again.
Neither was my camera.....which I'd used once to take photos of my son at Government House receiving his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from the Governor.
Totally irreplaceable.
The manager of the company gave me $50.
He referred me to the police, but as I did not see the man take my camera, the policeman took it no further.
It was an incredibly stressful time for me, and a few months later, I reported the policeman to higher authorities.
I received an apology for the policeman's inaction, but it was of no consequence....all I wanted was my Sim card out of the camera.
I've never replaced the camera. I owned it for 1 month.
I haven't forgiven that man....he has my son's precious photos.

Almost as if the removalist has heard of this happening before, believed you, didn't want to take action against that man & thought $50 you lost would keep you quiet. A meaningless apology is of no use either. Those photos are irreplaceable, our memories may fade as we age but the photos will not, they were a permanent reminder of a proud moment in your life.

Shame you could not lock this area off while they were there. He obviously knew there were things there he wanted. Real low life. Leaving those items under the house is an insult & why could the police not have taken fingerprints from the purse or keys to procure a prosecution?

 

[Vet543]

As much as we all like to believe that we live in a safe and secure world, the unfortunate reality is that there are people out there who will do whatever it takes to get what they want – even if it means breaking the law.

We here at the SDC feel for those of you who have been victims of crime, whether it's your home being broken into or your belongings getting stolen outright. It's a scary feeling and one that can leave you feeling violated long after the event itself.

But every now and then, something happens that restores our faith in humanity just a little bit – and this story is definitely one of those times.

Recently, a New Zealand couple woke up to find their car had been broken into during the night and had its battery stolen. Bear with us, it takes a turn.

But instead of being angry or upset about it, they were actually quite touched by what they found.

One couple discovered that their car battery was stolen overnight. Credit: Shutterstock/fongbeerredhot. (Stock photo)​

You see, the thief didn't just take their car battery and leave; they actually left them a handwritten note apologising for their actions and promising to pay the couple back as soon as they could.

'I'm so sorry I had to do this,' the note read. 'When I am in a fortunate position, I will put $200 in your wipers.'

The couple posted a photo of this 'nice' note on social media, along with their shocked reaction at finding it, which quickly went viral online.

In an interview with a news outlet, the East Auckland residents said they weren't angry about being inconvenienced due to the stolen car battery. Instead, they wished that the thief had just knocked on their door and asked for help.

'I personally felt a bit sorry that he was in such strife that he turned to crime,' said the wife, with her husband adding: 'It was an inconvenience, but I thought this is someone who is absolutely desperate. The element of anger was taken away. I feel for people at the moment who have to resort to petty crime.'

The thief left a note promising to pay the couple back their money. Credit: Daily Mail.​

It seems that the victims' compassionate response left many on social media in awe – with many saying they wish they could be as 'nice' as the couple when they were faced with similar situations.

Others, though, criticised them for being too forgiving towards a criminal act. 'It's hardly "heartbreaking". It's "lawbreaking". Not sucked into the poor wee criminal illusion,' one person wrote in the comments.

Another added: 'So as of now, all criminals will start writing excuse notes, and no one will ever go to jail…'

What about you, members - what do you think? If you were in the victims' shoes, would you be as forgiving as them? Let us know in the comments below!

This is a good ploy.
Caanberra, appros. 1978 a Thief stole a car from a family. They returned the car 2 days laterWITH FREE TICKETS TO THE CANBERRA THREATER. Saying they had a medical emrgency and apologise for the inconvenience offereing the tickets in compensation,... Everyone was saying "nice person' ... because their child needed medical attention in Sydney.
Well. the couple went to the threatre and returned home to find ALL THEIR possessions from their house GONE. ..
Nice theives my butt... true story

 

[Ezzy]

This is a good ploy.
Caanberra, appros. 1978 a Thief stole a car from a family. They returned the car 2 days laterWITH FREE TICKETS TO THE CANBERRA THREATER. Saying they had a medical emrgency and apologise for the inconvenience offereing the tickets in compensation,... Everyone was saying "nice person' ... because their child needed medical attention in Sydney.
Well. the couple went to the threatre and returned home to find ALL THEIR possessions from their house GONE. ..
Nice theives my butt... true story

 

[Ezzy]

The buggers knew they would be at the theatre that night. How low!

 

[LaniK]

Always walk in the other persons shoes. Was it wrong? Yes it was however I agree with the people that this person should have just knocked on their door. Did it happen to me - No so I really cant say how I would feel but I am a sucker and would feel for the thief. Would be interesting to see if they ever get the $200. Who knows, the thief may win lotto and leave them more.

 

[Defiant540]

thank you