'Cookie Monster' sends 2nd note about sculpture theft

Police in Germany say someone dressed as the 'Cookie Monster' has sent a second note regarding a stolen cookie sculpture — this time saying he wants to return it. But officials aren't sure the person in the photo actually stole the 20-kilogram (44 pound), century-old sculpture.

The gilded bronze item was part of a statue outside German cookie baker Bahlsen's Hannover office, and it was reported stolen last month.

The Hannover police's statement says a local newspaper on Monday received a picture of someone dressed like the Sesame Street character holding what appears to be the stolen cookie. The enclosed note is written in cut-out letters. An earlier letter demanded that cookies be delivered to children at a city hospital, but the new note made no demands.

One of Germany's most famous cookie-makers has appealed to an extortionist dressed as the 'Cookie Monster' to return its prized golden cookie emblem. The Bahlsen cookie company's emblem has hung above its headquarters in Hanover since 1913 and was first reported stolen a week ago. Just days after it went missing, a ransom note arrived at the local newspaper which included a photo of the thief.

In a message posted on Facebook on Thursday and addressed to the monster, Bahlsen promised to donate 52,000 packets of cookies to charities if the 20 kg (44 pound) golden cookie was returned. The original ransom note demanded that Bahlsen give cookie to children in hospitals across Hanover and donate a 1,000-euro ($1,400) reward for the emblem's return to an animal home. A spokeswoman denied media suggestions that the theft and ransom note were part of a marketing stunt and said the firm was anxious to recover the emblem as soon as possible.