Thief creeps along 'like a cartoon burglar' to steal generator - not realising his hilarious prowl is being caught on CCTV

  • Viewers have ridiculed the Chellaston thief tip-toeing along in broad daylight
  • Derbyshire Police released the footage to help solve the September theft
  • Facebook users said it looked like a scene from the Pink Panther or Scooby Doo

By JOEL ADAMS FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

A ridiculous-looking thief has become the butt of jokes online for creeping up a driveway looking like 'a cartoon burglar' unaware his every tentative step was being recorded by CCTV.

Police have released footage of the crook precariously tiptoeing onto the property while his accomplice follows behind, before the pair steal a petrol generator from outside the Derbyshire property.

Web users were quick to mock the crook for his sneaky 'Pink Panther-style' approach to the crime scene - blissfully unaware he was being recorded by security cameras.

Vicky Louise wrote on Facebook: 'What a fool. Creeping along looking like a cartoon burgler[sic] while clearly in the open. Matter of time before before you get caught mate.'

Carl Rose added: 'Hilarious. Looks more like a scene from the Pink Panther or Scooby Doo. Seriously tho, hope you catch him.'

Neil Harper referenced the pranks pulled by Jeremy Beadle in his 1990s TV show, writing: 'Is this a joke looks like something off Beadle,' while January Lloyd branded them 'Dumb and dumber.'

Although his accomplice walked brazenly up the driveway behind him, the burglar in the checked shirt crept bent over and on tip-toe, like a exaggerated pantomime performance

Although his accomplice walked brazenly up the driveway behind him, the burglar in the checked shirt crept bent over and on tip-toe, like a exaggerated pantomime performance

His strange walk, during the theft from Snelsmoor Lane near Chellaston, Derbyshire, reminded viewers of Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther films

His strange walk, during the theft from Snelsmoor Lane near Chellaston, Derbyshire, reminded viewers of Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther films

His strange approach to the September 1 theft took no account of the fact it was broad daylight at the time of the 5.15pm crime

His strange approach to the September 1 theft took no account of the fact it was broad daylight at the time of the 5.15pm crime

Although he was oblivious to the fact he was being filmed, at one point the thief looked straight down the lens of the camera as he moved a piece of furniture to access the generator

Although he was oblivious to the fact he was being filmed, at one point the thief looked straight down the lens of the camera as he moved a piece of furniture to access the generator

The 'Scooby Doo' criminal even kept up his strange gait on exiting the property despite carrying the petrol generator with his partner in crime

The 'Scooby Doo' criminal even kept up his strange gait on exiting the property despite carrying the petrol generator with his partner in crime

The thieves made off with the hardware and police have so far been unable to identify the pair

The thieves made off with the hardware and police have so far been unable to identify the pair

Derbyshire Police said the two offenders struck at a property on Snelsmoor Lane between Chellaston and Aston, at around 5.15pm on September 1.

A force spokesperson said: 'One of our South Derbyshire Safer Neighbourhood teams has released CCTV footage of a theft of generator in the hope that the suspects will be recognised.

'Enquiries to trace the suspects have up to now failed and so this CCTV footage has been released showing the suspects creeping up the driveway and removing the petrol driven generator.

'If you think you can help please make contact with us quoting the reference number 18*418517.'

Anyone with information can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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