Thief takes, returns same car twice

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MANALAPAN, N.J., June 6 (UPI) -- Police in New Jersey said they are working to identify a thief who stole and returned the same car twice before being confronted by the owner.

The Manalapan homeowner, whose name was not released, said his black Chrysler 300 was stolen from his garage twice in May, once when the keys were left in the car and once after the thief entered the home and took the keys and $300 cash, WCBS-TV, New York, reported Wednesday.

The man said the thief returned the car during daylight hours on both occasions.

The homeowner said the thief returned a third time, presumably to steal the car again, but fled when he was confronted.

"This is not your typical car theft. Usually the thieves don't return the property. They usually take it and do what they will with it," Manalapan police Lt. Mike Fountain said.