Many criminals are simply not-so-bright people on what is likely to become the most embarrassing day of their life. Here's a daily look at some of the world's least competent crooks for September, October and November of 2008.
For the latest, here's the current Dumb Crime Du Jour.
Sept. 23: Copy Machine Counterfeiting
Broward County Sheriff's Office
Peter Lehman of Florida says he was just making elaborate play money for a music video he was planning. Police, however, say the photo copies of $20 bills he'd been making on his computer constitute counterfeiting.
Sept. 24: Thanks for the DUI!
When 52-year-old David Hyland may have been angry the first four times he was pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving, but the fifth time, apparently, was a charm. "Thank you very much for everything you've done for me," he allegedly said, according to a police report.Sept. 25: Entire Church Gone
After four years of fund-raising, criminals stole all the building materials — steel beams, tin sheets and everything else — for what was to have been a new church in Prichard, Ala.Sept. 26: Foot Bandit
St. Lucie, Fla., authorities are investigating a firefighter who allegedly took a man’s severed foot from the scene of a traffic accident. "In 27 years, this is the first time I have ever heard of these accusations," an investigator tells a Palm Beach newspaper. "It’s highly unusual."Sept. 27: 'Daddy, Don't Steal'
A Judge in Kalamazoo, Mich., has ordered a man to wear a "Daddy, Don't Steal" T-shirt for seven months. "You very easily could have been sent off to jail for seven months," he told the man. "I don't want to see you back here unless you're visiting."Sept. 28: Bottomless Pants
Here's what an accused K-Mart shoplifter allegedly had in her pants: 10 DVDs (including Death Row and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun) a Play Station video game, a pair of white tube socks, a black and red bra, a black and red pair of women's underwear with the word "pouty" printed on them, three pairs of size 4T boys underwear and two women's rings.Sept. 29: Udderly Ridiculous
Middletown (N.Y.) Police Dept.
Michelle Allen of Middletown, N.Y. is accused of urinating on a neighbor's porch and chasing children while wearing a cow costume. Police say she smelled of alcohol and was verbally abusive when they found her creating traffic problems along North Verity Parkway.
