If only they could they talk. Two valuable Lindauer paintings stolen in a violent heist five years ago have been returned out of the blue, by a mystery go-between.

The works were painted in 1884 by Gottfried Lindauer and had a combined value of $1 million, when they were stolen in 2017 ram raid on a Parnell art gallery.

The police say they were recently contacted by an intermediary, who wanted to return the paintings on behalf of others.

The damaged works are now back with their rightful owner.

Richard Thomson, director of the International Art Centre from where the paintings were stolen, talks to Lisa Owen.