Stolen Artwork Returned To Flip's In Oklahoma City

A clever public shaming campaign led to the return of stolen artwork that had hung inside a popular Oklahoma City restaurant for three decades.

3/23/2015 Related Story: Thief Accused Of Stealing Artwork From Flip's In OKC

Three weeks ago, a patron at Flip's Wine Bar and Trattoria on Western Avenue walked off with three framed posters that had hung in the same spot for 30 years. 

This past Thursday, the man responsible returned all three framed posters, and gave Flip's Co-Owner Gail Vine a heartfelt apology. “Sometimes they have a drink too many and take on a certain invincible arrogance, and that one bit him,” she chuckled Saturday afternoon. 

Vine said her employees recognized the man after scanning surveillance video of the night it happened three weeks ago. They then posted the man's name on the reader board that is very prominent on the front exterior wall of the restaurant. 

“He's off the hook,” Vine said. “He's welcome back in here. He's really a neat young man. Glad we gave him the opportunity to man up and return the art.”