Welcome back to another Weird and Wacky Wednesday! This week, we’re diving into the bizarre world of audacious thefts, where the loot is as unusual as the stories behind them. These stories aren’t just about stolen goods; they make you wonder why someone would go to such efforts to acquire these hot items (well actually, one is pretty cold, one is pretty old and one is pretty sweet). So, get ready as we explore these peculiar pilferings that show that human motivation might be the weirdest and wackiest thing of all.
There’s no place like home
In a Minnesota courtroom Terry Jon Martin, 76, terminally ill and on oxygen support, faced sentencing for a crime that had remained a mystery for nearly two decades. In 2005, Martin had stolen a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” from the Judy Garland Museum. Initially he hoped to sell the rubies adorning the slippers. Martin was disappointed to learn they were fake, much like the wizard behind the curtain and eventually he got rid of them. The slippers were later recovered by the FBI in a sting operation. They had been a subject of national intrigue.

Facing his final days, Martin wanted to show that he too had a heart, like the Tin Man and he confessed to the theft. Acknowledging his limited life expectancy, Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz sentenced him to time served and a monthly restitution payment of $300 to the museum.
The theft had impacted the museum, tarnishing its credibility and hindering its ability to borrow other artifacts related to Judy Garland and “The Wizard of Oz.” This affected attendance. The stolen slippers are valued at about $3.5 million. They will be auctioned off as it seems the museum needs the money more than the slippers at this point. Martin, has now cleared his conscience.
Cakes fit for a king!
A thief in New Orleans made off with more than just the king’s jewels. They stole seven king cakes, a handful of cash, and a case of vodka from Bittersweet Confections. The bakery, known for its festive cakes adorned in traditional purple, gold, and green, became an unexpected target during the lively Carnival season. The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the break-in that left the bakery less festive.
King cakes are well known as part of Mardi Gras celebrations as they come with a hidden surprise – a tiny plastic baby nestled within the pastry, symbolizing luck and prosperity. The theft has stirred up a mix of humour and disbelief among the local community. The bakery is taking the incident in stride, and quipped on social media about the irresistible allure of their king cakes, urging patrons to buy them during regular business hours instead.

As New Orleans gears up for Mardi Gras, The King Cake caper added an unexpected twist to the festivities. One social media user jokingly claimed responsibility, demanding a lifetime supply of King Cakes as ransom for the “hostage” plastic babies. It’s probably not wise to admit to a theft, even as a joke.
Have you seen me?

In a bizarre theft north of Edmonton, a 500-pound taxidermy polar bear, aptly named Harry, was stolen from the Lionsheart Wholeness Centre, formerly known as the Lily Lake Resort in Sturgeon County. The RCMP reported that the bear’s disappearance occurred during a chilling break-in on one of the coldest days of the year when security patrols were cancelled. The thieves definitely did not have an easy time as they had to severe steel cables before dragging the bear down a flight of stairs and out the front door. The bear weighs 500lb. It hasn’t been seen since.
Taxidermy theft is not uncommon. Wanda Rowe, the owner of the centre, expressed her dismay, noting the bear’s significant cultural importance, especially to Indigenous Cultural Knowledge teacher Andrew Nanooch. For Nanooch, the bear symbolises a deep connection to Indigenous culture, and its loss is felt beyond its monetary worth.
The theft has struck a chord with the local community. Nanooch noted the historical context of Indigenous people often witnessing their cultural symbols being taken.