Israeli Man Charged After Returning Stolen Goods, Then Committing Another Theft

Israeli police have charged a 34-year-old man, Amir Hayajneh from Kfar Kana, with two counts of home invasion and theft totaling tens of thousands of shekels. The unusual case unfolded after Hayajneh's first burglary in May 2026, when he broke into a home in the Ha'Amakim area through a bathroom window, stealing jewelry, a PlayStation, glasses, and a photo of the owner's son. Following the theft, Hayajneh returned a significant portion of the stolen items, including gold jewelry, the game console, and the photograph, leaving a note asking the victim not to report him to the police. Despite this, police continued their investigation.

Weeks later, on July 18, a second home invasion occurred in a different house, again through a bathroom window. This time, the thief stole tens of thousands of shekels worth of jewelry and cash, but left a knife behind. Forensic analysis of the knife led investigators to Hayajneh, who was subsequently arrested. He initially denied involvement but later confessed to both burglaries.

Chief Inspector Tatiana Shmidova of the Kfar Kana police investigation department described the case as rare, noting it was unusual for a burglar to return to a crime scene to return stolen property. Hayajneh faces charges including home invasion, theft, possession of a knife, and threats. His case will be heard in the Nazareth Magistrate's Court. His attorney, Wasim Daher, stated that Hayajneh has shown sincere remorse and taken steps to return the stolen property, advocating for rehabilitation over punishment due to the suspect's alleged personal difficulties.