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Thieves Using Google Earth to Kidnap Koi Fish

by Terrence O'Brien on June 30, 2009 at 01:34 PM


People have been using Google Earth to find all sorts of crazy things: secret military installations, marijuana crops, sunken ships, and pools for "dipping." Thieves have even used the satellite imaging app to seek out lead roof tiles. So it should come as no surprise that other criminals are now making use of the tool to steal fish. (Well, maybe kind of surprising.)

According to the Telegraph, twelve people in Hull, England have fallen victim to nefarious koi thieves who, authorities believe, are using Google Earth to spot their next victims. Koi fish -- those popular residents of backyard ornamental fish ponds -- can cost hundreds of dollars, and the pond equipment the burglars are also jacking can cost a pretty penny, too.

Authorities suspect Google Earth, or its sibling app Google Maps, may be helping the culprits to spot the ponds, since at least one of them would be impossible to see from the street.

Of course, if the victims are feeling down about their losses, they can always pick up this iPhone app. Sure the fish aren't real, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper. [From: Telegraph, via Pocket Lint]

Tags: google earth, google maps, GoogleEarth, GoogleMaps, koi, theft, top

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