Does Crime Pay.

Well there are many answers to this.

In this case probably yes, please read on.

Someone I know has recently "lost" an item. I use the word "lost" as if the owner of the item was careless, they were not. Other people also lost an item at the same time.

The items were kept in a supposed secure area, which was shared by several people.

Now this location was broken into and several of the items were taken by unknown people.

The person I know lost a item of unique sentimental value (it was custom made), and also of high monetary value.

His daughter published photos on the internet, social media and specialist journals publishing a reward for the safe return, of their and other peoples property.

Now the owners in the mean time had reported this to the police. They got bounced around three police forces and got no where.

Now yesterday (6/Feb/12\), a concerned citizen (???) called the published number and stated that they had innocently brought these "lost" items in all innocence noticed the "reward poster" and wanted to see the safe return back to the rightful owners. The owners of the items agreed to "refund" this citizens out of pocket expenses of £1000.

Later that day, another call was received. Once again this had the number withheld. It was now 9pm in the evening and the meeting was arranged, but now the fee was agreed to be less at £700 as now at access to cash was limited and that was all they had.

The meet was arranged at a pub location.

This seemed like a good idea as it was a public place. However, upon arrival it was a disused pub with off road secluded parking.

After some cautious and cagey introductions, it was determined that they were each their to meet each other

At the meeting it was verified that the items were indeed the "lost" items and the "reward" was handed over. At that time, in the near distance a police siren sounded.

The concerned "citizens" made a hasty retreat in their flat bed van and car.

The owners, now reunited with their belongings went home and distributed the belongings to their rightful owners.

So does crime pay.

a) All the owners have retrieved their property for less than the excess on their insurance.
b) the sentimental value in these items has been maintained
c) the concerned citizen, got his reward, apparently upset at being £300 "out of pocket" compared to the earlier agreed reward figure.
d) future insurance premiums will not have gone up, a benefit to everyone, but still £700 up
e) police statistics will be interesting.
f) the real "robbers" are free to ply their trade again
g) the concerned citizens must be feeling really good with them selves for helping out the owners
h) there are no real victims, that you can find now.

Knock on effects

This insurance companies will probably still increase their premiums as they are considered a risk, simply for notifying them. Even though they, the insurance companies, have not had to pay anything out. They are equally legal robbers. And I wager they would have done all they could to stop paying out by blaming the owners for being negligent! Or am I being unfair.


I think the answer is Yes, it does pay.