h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

So, he was stealing something, and the Ripper reference might be a link to the stealing of bodily fluids. But I assume it's one step removed from that, so perhaps something more spiritual. Was he accused of practising witchdoctorcraft?

BTW, I'm assuming that's a klaxon

Alas, yes.

Global. "Witchcraft" -5

Remember: be bold; preferably interesting; never obvious.

he was stealing royalties

Nope. It's not that.

he was stealing costumes

What about if I were to tell you that moments prior to being set upon by the mob, the thief had bumped into (glancing with his shoulder) the other man who momentarily would shout the accusation that would result in murder.

Nope.

Bold but wildly off the mark.

Is it some quirk of Nigerian, then, that the words "look where you're going" sound very like "I am a thief"?

Seriously, though, perhaps it's a new way of getting away with crime? You pick the man's pocket as you bump into him, and if he notices what's happen him, you denounce him for some terrible crime. I guess you'd have to appear authoritative to get away with that, so perhaps the real criminal is dressed as some kind of priest or royal?

What's happen him? I need to preview!
And Google Chrome needs better access to smileys

Oooh lots of thought there let's pick it apart to get to the gold nuggets.

>>Does "look where you're going" sound very like "I am a thief"?<<

- I have absolutely no idea. However that is not the solution to the question.

>>perhaps the real criminal is dressed as some kind of priest or royal?<<

- No this happens to perfectly ordinary folk.

>>You pick the man's pocket as you bump into him<<

In a very literal sense. DGI +1

Denunciation? I suppose in a sense yes, but accusative not not in the sense of discrediting, implication or censure

I'll risk a

Is it identity theft?

RF

did he have a large ammount of money and needed a bank account number and sort code to launder the money and would give a %age to them

Ooooh - you escape. Didn't have that one down.

'royalties', 'identity' I have to suppress a smirk - in a way those could both be made relevant in an idiomatic sort of way.

No no internet fraud.

Stealing someone's virginity?

he stole the crown jewels

Good guess Mal, but wrong.

In a manner of speaking, Taff.

DGI +1