Police sold a dummy - almost Nick Squires in Rome December 18, 2012 - 10:31AM Sydney Morning Herald Thieves

raided an expensive clothes shop in Rome. When the police arrived, the thieves stood still and pretended to be mannequins - and they nearly got away with it. The three raiders, aged 78, 70 and 55, broke into the fashion store at 4 in the morning. They were busy throwing designer brands and leather handbags into sacks when the police arrived. The three thieves are known as the "grandpa thieves" As officers rushed in, the thieves stood dead still among a group of storefront dummies. They were not seen at first police thought they had fled from the store. A small movement by one gave the game away. The three were known to the police. They were carrying lock-picking tools. They were charged with theft and carrying tools for breaking and entering.