In the tranquil beachside neighborhood of Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand, a 15-month-old cat named Leo has become a local sensation for his unusual habit of stealing laundry. Known as Leonardo da Pinchy, this feline burglar has been pilfering items from clotheslines and bedrooms, much to the amusement and occasional embarrassment of his owners and neighbors.
Leo's penchant for theft includes a variety of items, from silk boxer shorts to thick men’s work socks, often with clothespins still attached. His most notorious haul was a brand-new cashmere sweater worth 300 New Zealand dollars ($181). According to The Independent, Leo's owner, Helen North, received a call from her daughter, alarmed by the valuable item Leo brought home. Despite the temptation to keep the sweater, North decided to return it and other stolen goods through a neighborhood WhatsApp group, often asking, "Are these your undies?"
Leo's collection has grown to include piles of socks, loads of underwear, and even a 5-foot-long stuffed snake. On one particularly prolific day, he returned with nine items, ranging from baby clothes to menswear. North has expanded her efforts to reunite stolen items with their owners by posting photos on a local Facebook page. The response has been largely positive, with neighbors finding humor in Leo's antics. Some even express disappointment that their laundry hasn't been targeted.
Attempts to curb Leo's thieving behavior, such as keeping him indoors or providing him with clothes to steal at home, have been unsuccessful. North is hesitant to introduce another playmate for fear that Leo might pass on his mischievous habits. Leo's criminal career began when he was first allowed outdoors a year ago, and his family hopes it's just a phase. For now, Leonardo da Pinchy continues to roam the streets of Mairangi Bay, delighting some and perplexing others with his audacious exploits.