ESCONDIDO, Calif. - Package thefts aren't unusual during the holiday season, but an Escondido woman found something very unusual posted on her door -- an apology from a thief.
"After I read it, I was quite shocked," said Kristine Smith.
Smith said the letter showed up a week ago taped to the front door of her business, Kristine Smith Design Studio, on West Second Ave.
"It says, 'I'm writing this simply because I regret my actions and feel in my heart I owe you an apology. About a week ago, I stole a package from your front porch. I'm homeless (not on drugs) and well, it was purely in desperation. Point is wrong is wrong no matter the reason. I'm truly sorry for my actions,'" Smith read from the letter.
"It ends with 'Merry Xmas,' and it's signed, but I can't read the name," said Smith.
For Smith, the letter raised plenty of questions.
"We really don't know what was taken," said Smith.
Smith checked and none of their orders were missing. However, sometimes things like carpet samples show up unsolicited.
Around this time of year, the business also gets a lot of gift baskets from vendors.
Perhaps one of those was snatched away?
If it was an edible gift basket, that might explain why the apology didn't come with the original package.
"I don't harbor any hard feelings toward him. It's noble he's regretful and feels remorseful for his actions. Frankly, I hope whatever he took is of use to him," said Smith.
Smith is also hoping these words are true and heartfelt when it comes to stealing.
"It's not OK to do this. This guy at least knows it's not OK. He did it; hopefully he won't do it again," said Smith.
