Stupid Criminals - U of Nebr. Edition
 

DAILY NEBRASKAN - 25 September 2003
http://www.dailynebraskan.com/vnews/...f?in_archive=1
http://media.dailynebraskan.com/vima...a394ef-4-1.jpg
Sign theft comes with hefty price tag

By CHRIS APONICK / DN Staff Writer
September 25, 2003

The whole process seems deceptively simple.

Junior biochemistry major Dustin Rewinkel said he could remove a street sign within minutes. All it usually required was a couple spins of a socket wrench and maybe the help of a Channellock tool. He quickly could have a sign off its pole and into the back of his car. All of this would be done under the cover of darkness, he said.

"We got a system down. Three a.m. works the best. Once everyone is already home from the bars," he said.

It doesn't take Jedlicka more than a simple flip to the backside of his pirated sign for him to see the sticker stating the Lincoln city ordinance about the punishment for stealing the sign. On average, getting caught for stealing a sign could lead to $500 fine and possible imprisonment.

Rewinkel said he had stolen more than a dozen signs since starting college...

...Jedlicka said the only other way a student would be caught was if they put the signs someplace stupid. Obviously, he said, he had no plans to hang the sign in front of his window.



DAILY NEBRASKAN - 26 September 2003
http://www.dailynebraskan.com/vnews/.../3f73cc86f1246

Cops Briefs

Compiled by CHRIS APONICK / DN Staff Writer
September 26, 2003

Picture in paper leads police to thief
Lincoln police recovered 13 stolen street signs in a search of junior biochemistry major Dustin Rewinkel's apartment Thursday afternoon.

Lincoln Police Capt. Doug Srb said police obtained the search warrant after a story and picture ran in Thursday's Daily Nebraskan detailing how Rewinkel stole several signs.

An arrest could be forthcoming, Srb said.

What a maroon!

wow...

lesson #1: if you steal something, don't brag about it and don't admit to it in a school newspaper. and don't let them take a picture of you with the stolen goods!!

LMAO! That's funny! But jeez, did he really think he wouldn't get caught after the lovely mention of his name and stash after the article?

I have a ton of street signs...just not with me anymore (my brothers inherited them ;))

He's a junior biochem major... Usually folks in degree programs like that exhibit some kind of intelligence.

Common sense is not so common, is it?

Apparently, they musta run out when it was his turn. ;)

docetboy, this is to funny! Worlds Dumbest Criminals!:)

Should have been in Business School! Merchandising and Advertising aint one of his strong points!:D

Reminds me of the time we turned around all the one way signs back home.

-Rudey