“Thief” returns stolen car with a crazy story and petrol money

A woman’s ‘ stolen car ‘ was returned to her the next day with money for petrol and a random explanation.

Erin Hatzi, from Portland, in Oregon US, woke to find a scribbled note of apology and $30 on her red Subaru.

Erin thought her car had been taken in criminal circumstances and had reported the incident to police. But the search was called off after a simple – albeit very unlikely – explanation was offered up.

“Hello, So sorry I stole your car”

Read a message addressed to the car’s owner.

“I sent my friend with my key to pick up my red Subaru at 7802 SE Woodstock and she came back with your car.

The mix-up happened in Portland, Oregon

“I did not see the car until this morning and I said, ‘that is not my car.’

“There is some cash for gas and I more than apologize for the shock and upset this must have caused you.

“So so sorry for this mistake.

In fact, Erin said that police told her that older Subaru keys are “sometimes interchangeable” – so it appears that the friend who was picking up the car had accidentally taken the wrong one.