Burglar caught after stopping to read Greek mythology book during robbery

The book the burglar was reading was 'The Gods at Six O'Clock' by Giovanni Nucci. (Representational)

A burglar was arrested in Rome, Italy, after becoming engrossed in a book on Greek mythology during a break-in. The 38-year-old, who had gained access to the flat in Prati district via a balcony, got distracted and started reading a book, leading to his capture.

The bizarre incident unfolded in the early hours when the alleged thief entered the apartment of a 71-year-old resident, BBC reported. The man, intending to commit a theft, was distracted after discovering a book on the bedside table. The book, titled “The Gods at Six O'Clock” by Giovanni Nucci, presents the Homer’s "Iliad" from the perspective of the gods, and it appears the tale of ancient heroes and deities captivated the intruder.

The elderly homeowner, awoken by the sound of the intruder, confronted the man who was deeply immersed in the book. Startled, the burglar attempted to flee the scene by escaping through the balcony he had used to enter. However, his plans were foiled when he was caught by the police shortly after.

During his arrest, the man claimed he had mistakenly entered the flat, thinking it was a bed and breakfast. "I thought I had ended up in a B&B, saw the book and started to read it," he told the authorities. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was carrying a bag filled with expensive clothing, allegedly stolen from another property earlier that night.

The case has not only grabbed headlines but also the attention of Giovanni Nucci, the author of the book that momentarily derailed the burglary. "It's fantastic," Nucci told Il Messaggero. "I'd like to find the person caught red-handed and give him the book because he'll have been arrested halfway through reading it. I'd like him to be able to finish it. It's a surreal story, but also full of humanity."

Nucci also shared a humorous take on the incident, noting that his favourite deity is Hermes, the god of thieves and literature. "He is also the god of literature. It is clear: everything fits," he quipped.

The arrested man now faces charges related to the attempted burglary and the theft of expensive clothing.