"I’m much happier now I’ve got my gate back," Ms Esplin said.
The red-painted gate had long been an unquestioned part of her familiar home world in Pacific St, Dunedin.
And, at times, the modest squeak of the gate had acted as an alert, such as when her morning copy of the Otago Daily Times had just been delivered.
However, that familiar world was upturned and she had felt violated when, one Saturday three weeks ago, someone stole her gate and several others, including at least two more from Pacific St.
The gates were returned late last week, and police issued a formal warning to the offender.
Simon Pickford, another Pacific St resident whose gate was stolen and then returned, was also delighted with the "great" outcome, and the positive police work involved.
The thefts were clearly upsetting, but Pacific St residents had again rallied round to help each other, as they had during earlier celebrations of Easter, and, in May, of essential workers, during the coronavirus lockdown.
"It’s helped bring us together," he said.
