The owner of a $90,000 stolen Rolex has been reunited with the treasured timepiece after a dogged international search to find its rightful owner.
The watch was among a cache of luxury goods recovered during a search warrant at the home of a prolific burglar, now serving prison time, in late 2023.
When North Shore Frontline Station Support Officer Lisa Clark came across the Rolex while reviewing property held in the exhibits store, she became determined to find its owner and return it to its rightful owner.
What followed was a painstaking search spanning New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and countless dead ends.
Unable to find the details she needed in burglary reports, Lisa contacted Rolex dealers, service centres and retailers, spending months following leads and pursuing every possible avenue. She even joined international Rolex forums.
At times, it felt impossible.
"Everywhere I went, doors kept getting shut in my face," she says.
"But I couldn't let it go. I knew there was someone out there who deserved to have this watch back, so I just kept following every lead I could.”
Eventually, after nearly five months, Lisa's enquiries led to the breakthrough she needed - the needle in the haystack.
Owner Matt Kim's North Shore family home was burgled in August 2023, leaving the family deeply shaken and ultimately prompting them to move to Australia to start over. Nearly three years on, he never expected to see the stolen items again.
When Lisa told him she had his property, his response was immediate.
"He said, 'I'll get on a plane right now and come and get it'."
Among the recovered items were the Rolex, several designer bags and a diamond ring belonging to his wife.
When Matt arrived to collect them, the moment was emotional.
"He cried," Lisa says. "You could feel that emotion and relief. Three years after the burglary, they never thought they'd see any of it again."
The Rolex held particular significance. Matt told Lisa it had been one of the first gifts he bought for his wife.
After returning to Sydney, Matt sent Lisa a message expressing his gratitude.
“What you have done for us means so much more than I can explain. My family and I will never forget you and what you did for us. You really are our hero.”
For Lisa, the outcome made every phone call and dead end worthwhile.
"I always knew it was there and I kept thinking, 'How can I find the owner? How can I find the owner?'"
Tactical Crime Unit acting Detective Sergeant Beth Bates says the story highlights the willingness of Police staff to go the extra mile for victims.
"Lisa's perseverance, initiative and commitment to doing the right thing resulted in a fantastic outcome for this family.
"She went above and beyond to track down the rightful owner, and her determination is a great example of the lengths our people will go to support victims and make a difference."