Remorseful thief returns iPad to Deerfield Beach McDonald's, deputies say

'This was an honest mistake,' note accompanying iPad said

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – A remorseful thief returned a stolen iPad this week to its rightful owner, one week after multiple news outlets reported on the theft, authorities said.

Surveillance video shows a woman taking the iPad June 12 from the counter of a McDonald's in Deerfield Beach after its owner accidentally left it there.  

Broward Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion said the thief coordinated to have the iPad returned to its rightful owner on Tuesday.

Concepcion said a man, who was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and was keeping his head down, walked into the fast food restaurant and placed a small blue gift bag on the counter.

The manager retrieved the bag and discovered that the stolen iPad was inside with a handwritten note that said, "To whom it may concern, this was an honest mistake. I am returning iPad to manager of McDonald's. iPad that belongs to Daniel Rodriguez."

Concepcion said the manager notified authorities and a deputy retrieved the bag.

The iPad was then turned over to Rodriguez.

Detectives said they still want to identify the woman seen on surveillance video taking the iPad.

Anyone with information about her identity is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. 

 


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.