"Optimistic" Art Thief Caught at Gallery Door

Police in Birmingham, England are seeking the whereabouts of an “optimistic thief” who attempted to pilfer a World War I commemorative piece from an art gallery in the center of the city. The man was captured on several cameras, casually strolling around before removing a Nic Joly painting, valued at several hundred pounds, from the wall. After failing to fit the frame under his sweatshirt, the thief puts it under his arm.

<a class="link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/latest-news/news.aspx?id=1681" target="_blank">West Midlands Police have said</a> the man was stopped with the painting at the door of the gallery, but managed to escape before police arrived at the scene. The incident took place in the Castle Lane Gallery on August 17. They are now seeking the public’s help to find the man, whose face is clearly seen throughout the footage. Credit: YouTube/West Midlands Police