This past weekend, a pair of thieves in Southern Australia stole a Big Bird costume from a circus appearing in the area.
The costume, which is valued at more than $160,000 AU ($123,287 US) went missing on Sunday.
The Southern Australian Police Department was called on the matter and decided to look into it, later putting out a call to be on the lookout for two thieves, who witnesses saw carting the bird costume.
But surprisingly enough, the pair later returned the Big Bird costume intact to the circus they had stolen it from.
Found in the beak of the Big Bird costume was a note of apology:
"We are so sorry!!"
"We had no idea what we were doing, or what our actions would cause."
"We were just having a rough time and were trying to cheer ourselfs (sic) up."
"We had a great time with Mr. Bird, he's a great guy, and no harm came to our friend."
"Sorry to be such a big birden!"
"Sincerely, The Big Bird Bandits"
@SAPoliceNews/Twitter
After the costume was returned, the police shared the news on their Twitter feed.
The Southern Australian Police were quite the jokesters themselves when they wrote:
"Update: Big Bird is back! The bright yellow Sesame Street costume recently stolen from a Circus at Thebarton has been returned in the early hours of this morning."
"The suspects if apprehended could face one count of theft… two counts of theft..."
pic.twitter.com/lDIZ1QmAkv
— Amanda Bee (@ajbee10) April 20, 2021
But Twitter was less focused on not needing to be on the lookout anymore and more honed in on the photos the police shared.
@SAPoliceNews/Twitter
Some loved certain aspects of the apology note.
Others were concerned at Big Bird's appearance, and maybe even identified with it.
As stated by the police department, the thieves could still be charged if caught, but it's unclear at this time if the police are still actively pursuing the thieves.
Though it's terrible the two thieves stole the costume in the first place, the letter is admittedly pretty endearing, and at least the costume came back in one piece?
Maybe we should ask what Mr. Snuffleupagus would do.