Mayor Ian Stafford, alleged panty-raider. Photo: Manchester Evening News Syndication
Sales of men's underwear may be on the rise here in the States, but across the pond, it seems that stolen women's panties are the hot ticket item -- if you're one certain elected official, that is.
Ian Stafford, former mayor of Preesall in England's Lancashire county, has been charged with three counts of burglary after allegedly breaking into women's homes and stealing their underwear, UK's The Times reports.
In other words, he nicked their knickers.
Stafford, 58, resigned his post after being arrested in June, despite having recently been appointed to a second term prior to the arrest.
Police were alerted to the thefts after female residents in the area reported missing lingerie. A stash of stolen undies was later uncovered at Stafford's home.
We can only speculate as to Stafford's interest in the frilly little nothings, and it's not the first time a mayor has been busted for a crime of fashion. But it sure does bring new meaning to the phrase "panty raid."
Hey, maybe he can land a roll on the current season of "Entourage," where Vince's unmentionables mysteriously disappear from the laundry room... We have yet to find out who's responsible. Just sayin'.
If you're a sucker for tales of head-scratching fashion crimes, check out this bizarre shoplifting case.