This week’s case comes from Down Under, via a report in The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, Australia.

Lee was at her job in Port Macquarie, when somebody stole her car — a Holden Commodore sedan. Inside the car was her son’s cell phone plus two wrapped birthday gifts stored in the trunk.

Lee decided to appeal to the thief’s good nature by sending a text message to her son’s cell phone — now in the possession of the thief. She begged the thief to return her car. Surprisingly, the thief responded, although he made no promise of returning the car.

Lee had some hope of recovery, so she sent a second message. She explained that the car was a gift from her father, given shortly before his death, and she felt a great emotional attachment to the car.

Again, the thief responded, although he didn’t offer to return the car, at least not right away. Somewhat encouraged by the thief’s willingness to communicate by text messaging, Lee sent yet another message explaining that "tomorrow is my son’s birthday and his presents are locked in the trunk of my car."

There was a long pause between messages, but the car thief finally replied. He apologized for Lee’s inconvenience.

Text messaging continued between the thief and the victim until finally the woman managed to convince the thief to return her car.

He agreed but set his own terms. He notified Lee that he would leave her car in a remote area of Port Macquarie. Police believe the car was already abandoned when the thief sent the message. That reduced the thief’s chance of capture at the recovery scene.

When Lee got her car back everything looked fine, except the thief kept her son’s cell phone and also stole the birthday gifts from the trunk of the car.

Ever the optimist, Lee sent one final text message to the car thief: "If I ever lock myself out of my car, I’ll send you a message and I’m certain you’ll rescue me." There has been no further communication between the two.