Man Breaks Into House to Borrow Lawn Mower, Returns It Clean and Gets Permanent Borrowing Permit
The man reportedly entered the property after deciding he needed a lawn mower but did not have one of his own. Rather than purchasing one or asking a neighbor, he entered the house, took the mower and used it to cut the lawn of the property he had entered.
He then took the mower to his own home, where he reportedly used it to mow his own yard. After finishing, the man returned to the original property and left the mower where he had found it. He had also cleaned the machine before returning it.
Police became involved after the homeowners discovered that someone had entered their property and used their lawn mower without permission. The man admitted to taking the mower but reportedly appeared confused when questioned about why he believed his actions constituted a crime.
During the court hearing, the judge reportedly asked him what he had been thinking. According to those present, the man responded that he did not believe it could be considered burglary because he had only needed a lawn mower.
His reasoning was that he had "paid" for using it by mowing the homeowners' lawn, used the mower for what he needed it for and then returned it in better condition than he found it.
He reportedly apologized and promised that, if he ever needed to borrow something again, he would ask the owner first.
The court ultimately issued an unusual ruling. Rather than imposing a conventional prohibition against borrowing other people's property, the man was given a special court-issued borrowing permit, allowing him to borrow items from residents anywhere in Southern Ravenport provided that the items are returned to their original owners, remain in the same condition and are cleaned before being returned.
The permit does not, however, give him permission to enter private property without consent.
The man will remain under court-ordered surveillance indefinitely. Officials have not explained why the court chose such an unusual arrangement.
The homeowners were reportedly allowed to keep the lawn mower.
The man, meanwhile, has apparently learned one important lesson. Next time he needs a lawn mower, he says he will ask.
