Stolen painting of Sam the Bugler returned; thieves "realized error of their ways"

Saratoga Springs Police say the stolen painting of Sam the Bugler -- taken brazenly within the painter-owner's view from a hotel lobby back on August 31st -- has been returned.

The painting, valued at $6,000, was returned undamaged to the owner through a third party.

But police say they don't know the identities of the thieves -- only that "it appears a group of male subjects from Long Island had taken the painting and once they returned home, realized the error of their ways," according to a statement from Sgt. John Catone.

The owner did not want to pursue the matter any further, said Sgt. Catone.