A yellow-crested cockatoo has been mysteriously returned to his Victorian home after apparently being stolen at the weekend.

Jacko the cockatoo vanished from his home in Drysdale, near Geelong, on Saturday.

Victoria Police say the were told an unknown offender climbed over the front fence of a hardware store on Murradoc Road just before 9pm.

It is believed the thief removed Jacko from his cage, then fled with him.

They issued an urgent appeal for Jacko’s whereabouts, and released an image of a man who they believe might be able to help with their inquiries.

But then the cockatoo was back – left by an unknown person in a box near the hardware shop early on Monday afternoon.

Police in nearby Portarlington are continuing to investigate the theft. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 18000 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.