A TV presenter and politician was reunited with her beloved red Nissan Micra after it was stolen and then mysteriously returned following a heartfelt appeal on social media.
The incident occurred in Rome, the capital of Italy, in early May 2025.
Rita Dalla Chiesa, 77, shared her distress over the theft on Instagram, describing the car as "the last gift from a dearly loved person."
Rita Dalla Chiesa makes emotional plea to have her car returned by thieves after it got stolen in Rome, Italy, in May 2025. It was returned to her the next day. Note: Picture is taken from social media. (@rita_dalla_chiesa_official/Newsflash/NX)
The vehicle, affectionately nicknamed "micretta rossa," had been a part of her life for over three decades and held deep sentimental value.
In her emotional post, she reminisced about the memories associated with the car, stating: "How much life we spent together, you and I.
"How much music we listened to in Rome's traffic.
"Wherever I went, you accompanied me."
Rita Dalla Chiesa's car is returned to her after it got stolen in Rome, Italy, in May 2025. She made an emotional plea on social media to have it returned to her the previous day. Note: Picture is taken from social media. (@rita_dalla_chiesa_official/Newsflash/NX)
The car is believed to have been a gift from her late partner, renowned TV host Fabrizio Frizzi, who passed away in 2018.
The theft sparked an wave of support from fans and the public, leading to widespread sharing of her plea across social media platforms.
Remarkably, the car was returned the following day, found parked near her residence.
Dalla Chiesa shared a photo of the car parked outside her house in Rome, in perfect condition, and she wrote: "It's back home!
"They left it in front of the gate tonight. A life together, since 1997. Thanks to all of you".
TV presenter and politician Rita Dalla Chiesa poses in undated photo. She had her car stolen and returned the next day after she made an online plea in Rome, Italy, in May 2025. Note: Picture is taken from social media. (@rita_dalla_chiesa_official/Newsflash/NX)
The circumstances of its return remain unclear, but the act has been met with relief and gratitude from Dalla Chiesa and her supporters.
One Instagram user titled 'federicaborrello_' said: "The greatest joy! I'm really happy for you."
And 'giordanoelsa' commented: "Hurray!!! How beautiful....even certain thieves have a heart!"
(MJ Leidig/newsX)