A Ballangeich woman can't believe her luck after a scuba diver returned her stolen long-lost purse after finding it on the seafloor off Warrnambool.
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Diver Christopher Rantall verified Shelley McCrae was the owner of the purse on Wednesday and said he was "stoked" to return it to her.
Ms McCrae was shocked to learn the purse, reported in The Standard earlier this week, was hers after she had it stolen sometime between 2008 and 2010.
"It was gone in my eyes," she said.
"I was horse riding at Albert Park with a friend, and we returned to my car and my purse was missing. I reported it to the police."
Money and a birth certificate were missing from the wallet, but a photo of her partner Darren, a note and a Christmas memento were all well preserved.
"I've kept that for some sentimental reason," she said of the note.
Ms McCrae was pleased to have it returned after she felt "invaded" after the purse was stolen.
"They obviously wanted to dispose of it," she said.
She thanked Mr Rantall for his efforts to return it after he discovered the purse nearly five-metres underwater near the breakwater three weeks ago.
"The fact someone has taken the time to bother is good to see in this day and age," Ms McCrae said.
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