I suspect that the classic example was set by a Columbia fraternity back in the 1920's. A cop spotted an inebriated student lugging a Central park bench, and brought him in for questioning. Seems that he had a bill of sale for the bench, and was released. About a half-hour later another tipsy student was arrested for stealing a park bench---same routine. He showe the bill of sale, and was released. Another half hour, and a third student was spotted with a park bench. By then the cops caught on, and were instructed to ignore him.
Next morning, it turned out that every damn bench in Central Park had been stolen.