The story of a shoplifter who was taught a lesson by their own conscience made the front page on this day in 1966.
It was Christmas time two years prior, in 1964, when a piece of merchandise was taken from Canberra's David Jones store as crowds of holiday shoppers filtered through the shop.
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While the thief had taken just one item, the weight of guilt upon them was too much to bear, and after two years of dealing with remorse, the shoplifter sent a note to the store along with a contribution of $2.
"I stole an item from you around Christmas, 1964," the thief wrote.
"I don't know how much it was worth but this $2 might be a step in the right direction. If my conscience doesn't ease up, then I know I have to send more. Stupidest thing I've ever done. If I had the guts I'd sign my name, but I haven't, so you will just have to wonder. Actually, if I had that much guts I'd come in and pay personally. I wonder what you'd say if I did. Yours remorsefully."
The manager of the store, Mr D.W. Alexandar, said it was the first time he had seen a letter like that at the David Jones store, and only the second time in his 20 years working for the company. He said the $2 was credited to their bad debts recovered account.
