An Esquimalt man returned a $9,000 sewing machine to VicPD offices on Thursday, seven years after it was reported stolen.

The man was immediately suspicious upon discovering the machine, which was still unused, while cleaning his home. It had been stored by a friend of his step-daughter.

VicPD discovered that the machine, originally purchased as a Christmas gift, was stolen in 2007. It has since been returned to the original owner.