-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Although crime seems to be the best paid-profession in South Africa
at the moment, it is not nearly as sophisticated as in some of the 
other parts of the world. 

A gentleman based in Bogota, Colombia, tells the story of a fellow 
American whose new Mercedes Benz was stolen off the street. 

The next day, he received a phone call demanding a $10,000 ransom. 
On the advice of his insurers, he paid up, and the robbers duly left 
his car where he could find it. The next day they phoned again, saying 
that because he had paid so promptly, his car was "insured" against 
theft for a full year.

A week later, however, his Merc was gone again. The same thieves phoned 
to demand $10,000. "But it's not fair," protested the victim. "You stole
my car before and promised it wouldn't happen again for 12 months."

After first protesting that this was impossible, the caller promised 
to check, and the victim could hear computer keys over the phone. 
Finally, the caller was back on the line, full of apologies, and told 
the victim where his Merc could be found.

When he got there, the American found not only his car, but also a 
bottle of French Champagne on the front seat, as well as a card 
apologizing for the mistake and the inconvenience.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------


[Contributed by Peter]