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Stolen luxury watch returned to Tokyo store with apology note

Police say the man spent under ten minutes in the Nakano Ward shop and the package came from Aichi Prefecture; he remains at large.

On air: Gloria Vance and Dale Bearman on BBN After Hours
Published 4:07 AM ET, Monday, November 2, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Japan Today: “Luxury watch stolen from Tokyo store returned via courier, with note saying ‘I am sorry’”, with reporting from Qazinform (citing Kyodo), The Japan Times, The Japan Times (via UA News) and TokyoReporter.
Covered on BBN on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 4:07 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Gloria Vance and Dale Bearman.
BBN covered this story before: Free footbath hides on sixth floor of Tokyo museum (November 1).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Japan TodayLuxury watch stolen from Tokyo store returned via courier, with note saying ‘I am sorry’
Qazinform (citing Kyodo)Tokyo shopping complex hit by another luxury watch theft facts used on air
The Japan TimesStolen luxury watch returned to Tokyo store via courier with apology note - The Japan Times November 2, 2026 · facts used on air
The Japan Times (via UA News)Stolen ¥46m watch returned in Tokyo — The Japan Times November 2, 2026 · facts used on air
TokyoReporterThief who fled Tokyo shop with ¥46 million watch returns loot by courier with apology note - TokyoReporter November 2, 2026 · facts used on air

Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIn Tokyo's Nakano Ward, a watch worth forty-six million yen, about two hundred ninety-two thousand dollars, came back by courier on Sunday morning, with a note saying 'I am sorry.'
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorHang on, it was stolen? From a shop?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorOn October twenty-ninth.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorA man was allowed to try the Audemars Piguet on, then ran off with it, and police say he was inside for under ten minutes.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTen minutes. I've spent longer choosing a sandwich and never once been tempted to run off with it.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorStaff confirmed the watch by its serial number. The package was sent from Aichi Prefecture, and police are still searching for the suspect.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSo the apology was handwritten, and he posted it from a real place. You'd think he'd have thought that through.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe same shopping complex lost four watches worth about two hundred million yen in August, and two Chilean men stand accused.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThis thief, at least, has manners.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorHe's the only criminal this year who left a forwarding address.