
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 8, 1993                   TAG: 9305080298
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: HAMPTON                                LENGTH: Short

DID BURGLARS RETURN PROPERTY TO VICTIMS?

The victims in two of a series of burglaries had some of their stolen property returned, apparently by the burglars, police said.

Annette Bauerlein found a bag with her husband's stolen baseball cards and a note on her back steps Wednesday. In her back yard was a stereo receiver also stolen in a recent burglary of her home.

The note read, "Sorry. I.O.U."

Other property from the burglary remains missing.

Less than a mile away, John L. Hudson Jr. found a similar, unexpected surprise on his front lawn. A portable television, rifle, shotgun and minicassette player that he had reported stolen in a burglary April 19 all were returned, also on Wednesday.

"I thought this was mighty weird," said Hudson, a self-employed contractor.

So do police.

Detective Lt. Ed Davis said this is the first case he knows of that some of the booty has been returned. He thinks the thieves returned the items because police are close to solving the crimes.

by CNB