[chris]

SOUTH SALT LAKE - A thief made a fool of himself last weekend on surveillance cameras while trying to steal cash from a Salt Lake area convenience store, authorities said.

The bandit entered the store early Sunday morning in South Salt Lake. From the beginning, officials say it was clear the man was after something more than just gasoline.

Authorities said a buddy or two distracted the store's clerk while the thief tried to open the till behind the counter. But it's locked, and the bandit was forced to look elsewhere for his loot.

Moments later, security cameras captured the bandit as he moved over to the store's ATM. The man is seen trying to lift the machine off the ground, but clearly he finds that it's too heavy to move.

"He tries to rock it loose... tries a couple grapple holds on the machine," said Gary Keller of the South Salt Lake Police Department. "I don't know what he was planning on doing if he did get ahold of this machine. He doesn't look like a bodybuilder by any means."

At that point, police say the man leaves the store -- but not for long.

About 45 minutes later, the same man returns to the convenience store -- this time to purchase a drink. But when the clerk opens the cash register to make the transaction, the bandit quickly makes a grab at the drawer and takes some money.

Although the bandit got away, authorities have a good look at him -- thanks to the store's surveillance cameras.

"This guy is very identifiable... numerous tattoos on both arms," Keller said.

Anyone with information in this larceny case is encouraged to contact the South Salt Lake Police Department.

"Probably the most humorous part is when he squats down and tries to lift [the ATM] with his back," Keller added. "We don't get many of these."

[kellyhound]

Most crooks are soooo dumb lol