In
one of the largest jewelry heists in history, robbers -- at least two wearing women's wigs and dresses -- relieved a Harry Winston boutique of $108 million worth of diamond rings, necklaces, and watches. Despite
criminal investigation teachings that robbers "have better things to do with their money than to buy an array of masks and disguises" and will opt for functional attire, many thieves express themselves creatively and impractically through costumery, dressing as
Dracula and Black Father Christmas, a tree, Greek prime ministers, clowns, and
ghosts, while others cover their faces with
duct tape, cookie dough, drywall, and baking-flour-and-ketchup. Minimalists just wear
men's underwear and
women's thongs on their heads.
posted by terranova
on Dec 6, 2008 -
29 comments
Tis the season for
Shoplifting, when the unemployed, teens, professionals, kleptos, and political shoplifters jack, rack, nick, and stroke holiday gifts. The
BBB anticipates a rise in light-fingered merchandising, but notes that on average, shoplifters get pinched only "once for every 48 times they steal." Retailers are
fighting back in
unusual ways.
Wal-Mart, the oft-target of political shoplifters,
aggressively guards its merchandise, while across the pond the
Dutch approach the problem with bemusement.
posted by terranova
on Nov 27, 2008 -
50 comments
