So Sorry - 'Polite Robber' Caught On Camera

MLH1 · 09-02-2011 10:29pm #1

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110209/tod-so-sorry-polite-robber-caught-on-cam-870a197.html

minidazzler · 09-02-2011 10:32pm

An armed robber has been arrested after what has been described as one of the politest cases of theft ever caught on camera.
Entering a Shell petrol station in White Center, Seattle, Gregory Hess bought a cup of coffee and then calmly asked the man behind the counter to empty the cash register.

Asking station owner John Henry to do him "a favour", Hess, 65, then said: "Can you empty that till for me, please? Put it right there".

Confused, Mr Henry asked what Hess meant, only for the thief to repeat: "Put it right there," adding: "I'm robbing you".

Capturing the entire exchange on CCTV, Hess can be seen brandishing what appears to be a real handgun.

Despite the weapon though, Mr Henry insists that Hess remained as polite as possible throughout, even apologising profusely as he handed over $300.

As the robbery continued, Hess can be heard saying: "I'm really sorry to do this, but I've got kids."

Mr Henry offered him an alternative, suggesting he take $40 instead to help him out.

The thief declined the offer, though, saying: "Well, I can't do that sir. I've got rent to pay. I've got bills, and the kids need to eat."

Before leaving, Hess bade farewell with a promise: "Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. And I'm sorry.

"And if I ever get back on my feet again, sir, I'll bring it back."

The robbery occurred on Saturday morning, with Hess being arrested on Monday after the CCTV footage became a YouTube hit and helped police identify him.

The King County Sheriff's office has since confirmed that Hess has a history of criminal activity, having been convicted of armed robbery and forgery in the past.

Police said Hess would be charged with one count of armed robbery.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110209/tod-so-sorry-polite-robber-caught-on-cam-870a197.html

For those on mobile.

landsleaving · 09-02-2011 10:34pm

Interesting story linked from that article - http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20110204/tod-malawi-to-debate-public-farting-ban-07ff78c.html

red menace · 09-02-2011 10:36pm

From the NY post:

A car-service driver has pleaded guilty to fraud for taking a businessman on what is probably the most expensive airport cab ride in New York history.
Peter Rahhaoui, a Queens limo operator, admitted billing a Hong Kong mogul's credit card nearly $800,000 after driving him 13 miles from Teterboro Airport to Manhattan in 2008.
Tony Chan, a megamillionaire and feng-shui master, did not notice the startlingly exorbitant charges and learned of them only after he was notified by bank security.
Rahhaoui, of Flushing, pleaded guilty to credit-card fraud before Judge Carol Amon in Brooklyn federal court. The chauffeur, his attorney, and federal prosecutors had been poised to travel to Hong Kong to conduct a formal videotaped deposition and cross-examination of Chan at the US Consulate there.

Must be some credit limit if he didn't miss 800K

landsleaving · 09-02-2011 10:43pm

Feng Shui Master? What does he do, rearrange furniture into your face?

we'llallhavetea_old · 09-02-2011 10:50pm

"Any one of you fcuking pricks move, and I'll execute every one of you motherfcukers!"

biko · 09-02-2011 10:52pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4xL3AjSLvM

Riddle101 · 09-02-2011 11:26pm

Fat Tony: Bart is it wrong to steal a loaf of bread to feed your starving family

Bart: Hell No

Tony: Well what if you're family don't like bread, what if they like cigarettes, and what if you have a big family, and you steal a whole truck load of cigarettes. Is that wrong?

Bart: No

I think that's how it goes anyway

RichieC · 09-02-2011 11:30pm

That's a man at the end of his rope.

Badgermonkey · 10-02-2011 12:02am

RichieC wrote: »

That's a man at the end of his rope.

In Iran he would be.

Said he's doing it for his kids, who must be in their mid 30's.

The shopkeeper played it pretty cool, considering the presence of the pistol.