The Noble Thief of Brooklyn

A Tale of Our Time

Many people live on 53rd Street, near Second Avenue, in Brooklyn. An Econoline van had been parked there for some time: no great challenge for an experienced car thief. Still, it might make a profitable target.

Using skills honed by experience, the thief broke into the van. And saw Styrofoam cups, 10-ounce water bottles, cans of WD-40 and five-gallon jugs: all filled with gasoline. He knew a bomb when he saw one.

This noble thief drove the van, bomb and all, away from the innocent residents of 53rd and Second Avenue, to a secluded spot on the waterfront. There, he called a guardian of the law, one with whom he had developed a professional acquaintance.

Those who are sworn to protect the citizenry of Brooklyn rendered the bomb harmless, and are even now contemplating how this bomb may have been the work of the same malefactor who, some six years previously, seemingly tried to evict one of his tenants with a similar device.

As for the noble thief, in view of his deeds, it seems unlikely that he will face the wrath of justice in this particular matter.

More, at "HELL ON WHEELS"
New York Post (July 5, 2008)