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Portland Woman Steals Subaru, Then Pays Owner to Take It Back

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A 2001 Subaru Impreza was accidentally stolen in Portland recently then returned the next day with an apology note

A red Subaru Impreza like the one pictured above was recently stolen by accident
Photo: © RL GNZLZ

Anyone who’s ever had their car stolen before can tell you that it’s a miserable experience and one that car owners usually don’t enjoy reminiscing about–unless you happen to live in Portland, Oregon and you go by the name Erin Hatzi.


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On October 25th Hatzi looked out her window and realized that somebody had stolen her red 2001 Subaru Impreza right from her driveway. Hatzi then uploaded security footage of the crime to her Facebook page in an attempt to get help in identifying the car thief.

Only, there’s a huge twist.

Just one night after the vehicle was stolen; the supposed thief drove the vehicle back to Hatzi’s home, but was then stopped by police as she exited the vehicle. As it turns out, some older Subaru keys happen to be interchangeable with other Subaru automobiles and the lady who took the car actually thought she was picking up a vehicle that belonged to her friend. She then returned back to the house once she realized the wrong Subaru Impreza had been picked up.

The accidental car thief even took the added step of providing $30 dollars in cash to cover the gasoline she used, as well as offering a hand-written apology letter with all of her contact info explaining how the mix-up happened.

Hatzi said that police officers confirmed that some Subaru keys are indeed interchangeable with other cars and shared an image of the apology letter via social media.

The letter reads as follows:

“Hello, so sorry I stole your car. I sent my friend with my key to pick up my red Subaru…and she came back with your car…there is some cash for gas and I more than apologize for the shock and upset this must have caused you…so so sorry for this mistake.”


New vs. Used: Find out why buying new might not be the right move this year


Video: Subaru Impreza Returned With Apology Note and Gas Money

News Sources: Oregon Live via Jalopnik