TO CATCH
A THIEF

For the well-prepared home invader, it’s quite the dilemma. Leave the van idling for a hasty escape once you’ve loaded it with stolen goods, or make sure your vehicle is locked and the keys removed from the ignition before leaving it unattended. Two men looking to loot a Bellevue, Washington, home have a strong case for the latter after they were forced to abandon their booty upon discovering someone had driven off in their getaway vehicle. Final laugh in the matter goes to Patrick Rosario, the man who stole their van—and owner of the home that had been invaded.

Rosario was in the basement of his house when two men broke in and started piling his valuables at the front door. Rosario slipped out unnoticed while calling 911 on his cell phone, and noticed the thieves had left their truck’s engine running, doors unlocked. Against the 911 dispatcher’s advice, Rosario decided to fuck over those who would fuck him. He hopped into the truck and drove a few blocks away to wait for police.

A neighbour who witnessed the men exiting the house, TV in hand, said they “appeared startled” before abandoning Rosario’s belongings and fleeing on foot.

by SCOTT SAXON