Remorseful art thief returns stolen painting with note of apology

'I made a very immature and stupid mistake by taking this painting'

The work depicting Kansas City’s historic Waldo Water Tower, was taken from Kansas City Public Library (Google Maps)

An appeal launched to locate a stolen painting has taken a surprising turn after the remorseful thief returned the art work along with a note of apology.

The work, worth just over £170 ($150) and depicting Kansas City’s historic Waldo Water Tower, was taken from Kansas City Public Library in October last year.

The theft was thrust into the media spotlight earlier this month when Fox 4 News shared CCTV footage of a bearded man in dark blue sportswear nonchalantly stealing the painting in broad daylight from the Waldo branch of the library.

Library staff called the theft “heartbreaking” and a police appeal was also launched asking for information to help catch the thief.

Days later, however, the portrait by local artist Patrick Saunders, painted to mark the second phase of the restoration of the near 100-year-old water tower, was returned to the library by post on Monday morning.

Included in the package was a remorseful note reading: “I made a very immature and stupid mistake by taking this painting.

“I apologise for the time and effort and concern put into this matter. I am very embarrassed and wish nothing but the best for Kansas City and its library community.”

Library staff said they were overwhelmed by the astonishing gesture.

Library manager, Meredith Roberson, told Fox 4: “It was a surprise – surprise and then just relief.

“I got teary and kind of yelled and ran through the library.”

When asked what she thought provoked the thief’s sudden change of heart Ms Roberson said: “I think possibly people recognised them […] or this person thought they were going to get caught.

“So I’m glad they thought about what they had done and tried to rectify it.”

Mr Saunders, who loaned his painting to the library last summer, said on Facebook: “Very surprised by this turn of events. I was planning to head back to Kansas City and paint a replacement.”