Stolen $290,000 Audemars Piguet Watch Returned to Tokyo Boutique With Apology Note
A stolen $290,000 Swiss luxury watch was mysteriously returned to a Tokyo store in a package featuring a handwritten apology. Police continue seeking the sus...
POLICY WIRE — Tokyo, Japan — A premium Swiss luxury timepiece valued at approximately $290,000 has been returned to a Tokyo retailer following its theft last week, accompanied by a handwritten note of regret.
The incident took place last week when a male individual disguised as a shopper requested to try an Audemars Piguet watch. The suspect then fled the establishment with the timepiece still fastened to his wrist.
According to reports from the Asahi Shimbun and other outlets on Monday, the store later received a package containing the watch and a note offering an apology. Investigative sources who remained anonymous provided these details.
Authorities were able to confirm the item was the stolen property by verifying its specific serial number.
While the package was marked with a name and return address, the Japan Times indicated that investigators believe these contact details to be fraudulent.
The retail store did not provide a statement regarding the matter when approached by AFP.
The Asahi Shimbun reports that Tokyo police are actively searching for the suspect, who faces charges of theft.
This incident follows a major robbery in August, where four luxury watches totaling 200 million yen ($1.3 million) were taken from a different shop within the same shopping center.
The Japan Times noted that two Chilean citizens were arrested and later indicted in connection with that August heist.
Following that robbery, local police held safety seminars for luxury watch merchants. Owners were advised to display only replica models and instructed to utilize specialized lining on display cases to prevent break-ins, as the Asahi Shimbun reported.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
