Pontus Persson, a chef in Östersund, northern Sweden, was about to drive to work early on Tuesday morning when he realized his car was not in its usual spot.

In fact, it was about ten metres away, next to a tree at the edge of the forest.

Perplexed, Persson investigated the matter and found smashed windows, an empty place where his GPS used to be, and a broken steering column.

“I understood immediately that the car thieves had tried to steal the car but hadn’t pulled it off,” he told the Länstidningen newspaper.

Persson called the police and left his car where it was, hoping not to destroy any potential evidence.

However, the surprises were not over for the carless chef.

When he ventured out to check up on the car the next day, he found inspectors had slapped a 600 kronor ($91) parking ticket on the window as the car was incorrectly parked.

“I don’t know if I should laugh or cry,” Persson told the paper.

While Persson explains that the police still haven not returned his calls about the theft, he says it is unlikely he will cough up the 600 kronor.

“Not a chance! I have never heard of anyone getting a fine in this parking place. It was typical of the parking authorities to show up right after my car was moved by thieves,” he said.

TT/The Local/og

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