Today’s stupid criminal story comes from a clothing consignment store in Lone Tree, Colorado. Two young ladies visit the consignment shop, select a number of items of clothing, place them in a basket and leave the store without paying. They made it out of the store and to a waiting truck and made their getaway… almost.

It seems that one of the young ladies filled out a form to sell some of her clothing. She left her name and phone number while the other young lady was filling the basket. The Police called the number and are waiting for the girls to turn themselves in. It would be fitting if the Police would allow them to put the handcuffs on themselves when they make an arrest.

Here is a recent event that occurred in Denver. A thief broke into a vehicle and removed the victim’s wallet and assorted valuables. Apparently, this type of activity can build one’s appetite. The thief, being the stupid and lazy sort, went home and promptly called his local deli and ordered food to be delivered. He knew better than to have it delivered to his apartment so, he had it delivered to the apartment next door. It didn’t take the Police long to figure out who the hungry thief was and they made arrangements for him to get his meals at the jail.

Is it possible to be too stupid to be a criminal? I’ve never heard of a successful stupidity defense until I read about this case in Argentina. I expect that the defense will likely be used more in this country as result of this case.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

ASSOCIATED PRESS

BUENOS AIRES —  An Argentine man who tried to use two counterfeit bills has been found innocent, by reason of incompetence.

A federal court in Buenos Aires says the forged bills presented by Marcos Ribles were “so clumsy and crude” that “they could not be accepted by most people.”

The court says the 65-year-old man tried to pass a false 100-peso Argentine note, nominally worth about $26, as well as a false U.S. $50 bill.

Judges say the counterfeit bills had such shoddy printing and poor-quality paper that nobody could be fooled.

The court announced its ruling dismissing the charges on Wednesday.

I’ve always believed that smoking pot contributed to one’s stupidity. Here is a story from Pennsylvania in support of that theory.