Some crooks are smart. Some are stupid. And some are really really stupid. Submitted for your disapproval, the laptop thief who snatched a notebook computer from the most unlikely (okay, lets just say it… stupid) place you might imagine…

Stealing a laptop from a store that sells surveillance systems? That takes the (stupid) cake, yet it’s the modus operandi for a crook with the nickname “Mr Stupid.”

BBC News reports that Mr Stupid was caught red handed on no less than eight surveillance cameras in the Manchester CCTV shop.

Brilliant!

While hidden surveillance cameras can be placed in the most unassuming of places, one would think that a partially-functioning criminal mind would expect an eye in the sky (or eight) in a store that sells such equipment.

Mr Stupid had to pay compensation to the shop owner and court costs. He also received a twelve month community order along with six months in drug rehab.

There were no fine parting gifts, however.

The shopkeeper isn’t crying the blues. On the contrary, he’s seeing a whopping increase in business due to the incident.

Tags: surveillance cameras, thief