We’ve heard of some strange crimes in our day, but one that just occurred in a township in Michigan had us wondering if it was possibly the most dangerous of the year… Canton Township Police were dispatched about a week ago to a Home Depot because a man was caught shoplifting – this according to a filed police report. Now that sounds pretty typical – unfortunate, but typical as far as police reports go regarding shoplifting. What caught our attention were the specifics. Turns out the “man” who was not named (let’s hear it for crack journalism) attempted to shove three saw blades down his pants before exiting the store. Now I don’t know about you, but that just screams “danger” in my opinion. And how did he know which was the best 12-inch miter saw blade and thus worthy of the effort in the first place?
Smuggling Saw Blades in Your Pants
The store’s loss prevention officer (it’s unfortunate that we live in a world where these guys are needed) told police he saw the man
conceal three saw blades in his pants before trying to leave the store through the garden area. Now, I pictured these as being 7-1/4″ circular saw blades for several reasons. One, it’s rare to see recip saw blades sold in single packs… Two, the price of the blades ($40 each) indicates these were circular saw blades… and three, the story is simply more funny if you picture a guy trying to walk out of the Depot with three Irwin Weld-tec or Freud blades jammed into his pants.
As you’d expect, Police arrested the man on charges of third-degree retail fraud. The three saw blades, representing nearly $120 stayed at the store. We’re a little surprised the cop on duty didn’t claim they needed the saw blades as… um… evidence. Until the trial he could keep them safely installed on his table or miter saw…
What’s the weirdest crime story you’ve heard regarding tools? Let us know in our forums or on our Facebook page.
