Some criminals have taken law-breaking to almost comedic heights in heists that are almost too absurd to be true. These stories of the ridiculous crimes showcase the most outrageous criminal acts ever committed. Check out our collection of absurd crimes that made the news.
Stealing a Bridge
In a bizarre theft, an entire 58-foot bridge was stolen from a remote area in Akron, Ohio. The 63-year-old theif hired a crane service to steal it. This audacious crime left local residents baffled and authorities stunned by the boldness of the act.
The Great Maple Syrup Heist
In one of Canada’s most infamous crimes, thieves made off with over $18 million worth of maple syrup from a storage facility. The culprits siphoned syrup from barrels over several months, replacing it with water to avoid detection. This sticky situation took years to unravel, leading to multiple arrests.
Cat Hair Bandit
Three burglars in the Netherlands were caught after the police found cat hair on their shoes. The hair matched that of the victim’s cat, who witnessed the crime. This feline faux pas led to the burglars’ conviction.
The Case of the Stolen Sand
Beach thieves in Jamaica managed to steal 500 truckloads of sand from a popular resort. The sand was likely sold to rival resorts and construction companies. This massive operation went unnoticed until the beach noticeably shrank, prompting an investigation.
Smuggling Turtles in Pants
A smuggler was caught trying to transport dozens of eastern box turtles in his trousers at an airport in China for trade in the black pet market. The turtles, tucked away in custom-made pockets, were discovered during a routine security check.
Stealing Wi-Fi from a Police Van
A man was arrested for using his laptop to illegally access the internet by hacking into a police van’s Wi-Fi. The van was surveilling him as a part of an unrelated investigation. His unauthorized access was quickly traced, and he was charged with theft of services.
The Christmas Tree Bandit
In an oddly festive crime, a man stole an artificial Christmas tree from a supermarket. He was finally apprehended, dressed in full holiday attire. He wanted to gift the tree to a neighbor to spread Christmas cheer to a family who couldn’t afford a tree.
The Mummified Monkey Thief
A curious case emerged when a mummified monkey was found in the air ducts of a demolished department store in Minneapolis. It was later revealed that the monkey had been stolen from a zoo in the 1960s and inadvertently left in the store by the thieves.
Attempted Theft of a Roller Coaster
In a thrill-seeking crime, thieves tried to dismantle and steal a carnival roller coaster in Ohio. They were caught attempting to load parts of the ride onto a truck. The audacious attempt to steal an entire roller coaster highlighted the lengths to which some criminals will go.
Stealing a Hot Air Balloon
In one of the more high-flying thefts, a hot air balloon was stolen and later found at a three-day hot air balloon festival in Indiana. The owner didn’t want to press charges. He only wanted his balloon back. This sky-high heist was thwarted by an anonymous tip.
The Accidental Art Thief
A janitor in Italy mistook a piece artwork for trash from the party the night before. When he realized his mistake, he retrieved the art piece, much to the relief of the gallery owners. This honest error was a rare instance of an “art theft” ending well.
Lawnmower DUI
A Florida man was charged with a DUI while driving a lawnmower on the highway. He was found significantly over the legal alcohol limit, navigating heavy traffic on his unconventional vehicle. This grassy ride turned into a serious offense as driving under the influence applies to all vehicles.
Dorito-Seeking Seagull
In a lighter instance of theft, a seagull in Scotland became infamous for regularly stealing Doritos from a local shop. The bird would swoop in when the automatic doors opened and grab a bag of chips before making a quick escape. The seagull’s antics amused locals and gained its minor celebrity status.
Hijacking a Steamroller on a Joyride
A teenager in England took a steamroller for a joyride through the streets of his hometown. The slow-moving vehicle caused mild amusement rather than fear among the locals. The young driver was caught when he abandoned the steamroller outside a bar, clearly not thinking through his getaway plan.
Robbing a Bank Dressed in Zebra Print
A man in a zebr-print dress attempted to rob a New Hampshire bank. He was easily spotted by police as he fled the scene. This black-and-white case closed quickly, as the suspect’s disguise did more to attract attention than to conceal his identity.
The Great Pumpkin Heist
A group of thieves in Michigan orchestrated the theft of hundreds of pumpkins from a local farm just before Halloween. They planned to sell the stolen goods at a makeshift roadside stand. Their plan was squashed when they were caught red-handed with a truckload of the orange loot.
