When it comes to bizarre crime stories, this one is ripe for the picking. In March 2019, a man in Bournemouth, England, attempted to rob a bank using an unlikely weapon—a banana wrapped in a plastic bag.
A Fruitful Heist?
50-year-old Laurence James Vonderdell walked into a Barclays bank branch with a plastic bag in hand, concealing what appeared to be a firearm. He approached a cashier and boldly declared, “This is a stick-up, give me the cash.” Not wanting to take any risks, the employee complied, handing over £1,100 in £20 notes. Little did they know, the so-called weapon was nothing more than a banana.
An Unpeeling Truth
Despite the seemingly absurd nature of the crime, Vonderdell’s actions had serious consequences. After successfully walking out of the bank, he soon turned himself in at a nearby police station. Reports suggest he had recently been evicted and may have committed the robbery with the intention of being arrested in order to secure shelter.
Police charged Vonderdell with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm. During the trial, it was revealed that he had initially considered targeting another bank but ultimately chose Barclays due to a smaller number of customers present.
A Bitter Ending
The court sentenced Vonderdell to 14 months in prison, and the stolen money was recovered. Detective Constable Andy Hale of Bournemouth CID commented on the incident, acknowledging the distress caused to the cashier despite the humorous nature of the “weapon.”
This bizarre case highlights the intersection of crime and desperation, shedding light on the struggles of homelessness and the extreme measures some may take to find a way off the streets.
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