Mischievous Cat, Known as 'Leonardo Da Pinchy,' Is Stealing Neighborhood Underwear: 'I Hope He Grows Out of It,' Owner Says
A local cat is causing quite a stir in his neighborhood — stealing residents' underwear.
Leo, a 15-month-old feline that lives in the beachside area of Mairangi Bay in Auckland, New Zealand, has been given the nickname "Leonardo da Pinchy" due to his penchant for thievery.
Some of Leo's finds, the Associated Press reported, include silk boxer shorts and thick men's work socks.
The publication added that the cat once even swiped a brand-new cashmere sweater that retails for $181, as well as a 5-foot-long stuffed snake on another occasion.
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According to the AP, Leo's stealing habit began a year ago, when he was allowed outdoors for the first time.
Leo's owner, Helen North, told the outlet that she has since used a neighborhood WhatsApp group and a local Facebook page to find the rightful owners of the stolen clothing items.
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Still, despite the theft, North said local residents are more impressed than enraged by Leo's handiwork.
'All of our neighbors think he's amazing,' she told the AP. 'Some of them are quite put out that he hasn't actually stolen anything of theirs.'
North has attempted to end her cat's stealing, telling the AP she has tried keeping Leo indoors and has even left clothes out at home for him to steal, but nothing has worked.
'He only wants stuff that he shouldn't have,' the New Zealand resident said.
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Explaining that someone online suggested she should get Leo a friend — and that might curb his love of stealing — North told the AP she is against the idea because "he might teach another cat to do this."
'I hope he grows out of it because I don't want to do this for, like, 15 years,' the woman added. 'This is a lot of admin.'
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