Thief with sense of humor

JAKARTA (JP): A thief who stole Rp 800,000 (US$145) from a trader last week in the Central Java town of Kudus left a note of apology and invited the victim to see him if she wished to do so.

The mugger identified himself as Teguh, who lived in Dersalam village in the same town, but police have found the claimed identity fake, the Suara Karya newspaper reported.

The note he left for the kiosk owner, Ana Julainia, read, "I'm sorry but I had to steal your money because I badly needed it. My name is Teguh and I live in Dersalam. See me there if you wish."

The theft reminded the townspeople of a similar case that took place at the same market in which a crook had also teased the victim with an apology note.

In the first case, the thief broke into a textile kiosk in Kliwon and left a note that read, "I'm sorry I took your money. Believe me, God will give you more."

The humorous thief has not yet been caught. (pan)