OFFICER's Dumb Criminals of 2025: Stuck Doors, Empty Gas Tanks and Money Trails Foiled These Crooks
OFFICER Magazine has a law enforcement podcast that talks about what's going on in the world of law enforcement each week.
Every Friday, The Lineup podcast rounds up the week's most intriguing law enforcement news and goes behind the headlines. Editorial Director Frank Borelli and Assistant Editor Joe Vince will look at the stories that have people talking, and they'll give their own takes on the topics, from discussing a police department's latest recruiting and retention efforts to putting a spotlight on a daring arrest.
Episode 139: OFFICER's Favorite Dumb Criminal Stories of 2025
In the final of three special episodes looking back at 2025, retired Lt. Frank Borelli, OFFICER Magazine Editor Paul Peluso and News Editor Joe Vince put the spotlight on some of their favorite stories of any year: those dealing with dumb criminal. This year's incidents include:
- Ohio police made an unusual discovery during a traffic stop arrest when they found a raccoon holding meth pipe inisde the vehicle.
- A driver tried to elude Massachusetts State Police during a vehicle pursuit by hiding in a swimming pool.
- Pennsylvania police were able to crack a series of gas station robberies thanks to following a trail of money left by one of the suspects.
- A would-be car burlgar in New Jersey was foiled by doors that jammed.
- A chase between an Illinois deputy and a suspect on a stolen motorcycle ended on an anti-climactic note when the bike ran out of gas.
- A convicted felon pretended to be a Washington police officer while at the scene of a fire.
More Year-End Podcasts
Our Favorite Feel-Good Police Stories of 2025 Feature Hugs, Angels and 'Stolen' Ice Cream
- This special podcast episode looks back at the feel-good law enforcement stories of 2025, sharing examples of officers' compassion and kindness that will have you grabbing a tissue by the end. Check out what stories we featured.
OFFICER's Favorite Heroic Police Stories of 2025: Daring Rescues, Caring Help and a Tale of Survival
- Valor and heroism come in many forms, and OFFICER spotlights our favorites in 2025, including a daring hostage rescue, help for a homeless couple and an officer's survival and recovery after a violent shooting.
OFFICER Magazine Podcasts
Along with Officer Roll Call, OFFICER Magazine has other podcasts available:
- Officer Roll Call: Our flagship podcast covers a vast range of subjects in the law enforcement community, from news to equipment to policy topics and more
- Undercover Dad: Assistant Editor Joe Vince talks with his dad about his time an ATF agent working undercover in Detroit and Flint in the 1970s.
- Command Q&A: Editor Paul Peluso interviews law enforcement leaders from around the country.
How to Listen
OFFICER Magazine's podcasts are available through the following outlets:
Check back here as more episodes are available.
About the Author
Lt. Frank Borelli (ret), Editorial Director
Editorial Director
Lt. Frank Borelli is the Editorial Director for the Officer Media Group. Frank brings 25+ years of writing and editing experience in addition to 40 years of law enforcement operations, administration and training experience to the team.
Frank has had numerous books published which are available on Amazon.com and other major retail outlets.
If you have any comments or questions, you can contact him via email at [email protected].
Paul Peluso
Editor
Paul Peluso is the Managing Editor of OFFICER Magazine and has been with the Officer Media Group since 2006. He began as an Associate Editor, writing and editing content for Officer.com. Previously, Paul worked as a reporter for several newspapers in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD.
