The owner of an antique store in Wales discovered to his surprise that the man who robbed him apparently had a conscience -- and returned the goods.

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David Gardner put a note in the window of Art 'n' Antiques in Haverfordwest, telling the thief that the loss of a Persian rug, an Indian sari, a throw and an embroidered picture effectively cost him a week's revenue. Gardner told the Western Mail that his main hope -- a slight one -- was that he might hear from someone who was offered the items for sale.

To his surprise, a lawyer got in touch with him on behalf of the thief, who wanted to return the stolen goods. Gardner said he wanted to talk to the thief himself, hoping he could get some tips about security.

"It turned out he was a really nice person -- just someone who had been having a hard time," Gardner said.

The two men also share an interest in antiques.

While the theft turned into a positive experience for Gardner, it has also made him more cautious. He has since installed a security camera in his shop.