Shoplifting is one of Knoxville’s most frequent crimes, and in most cases it’s in the best interest of the victimized store that the stolen merchandise be returned. There are exceptions: namely, underwear that has been worn by the thief.

At 1 p.m. on Aug. 1, an employee of a local Walmart reported an underwear theft to the Knoxville Police Department. He claimed to have witnessed the suspect take a pack of underwear into the men’s room and put on a pair of underwear from the pack. This employee confronted the suspect, who then fled the store.

A few questions about the crime remain unanswered. First, would the underwear have been put back on the shelf if the suspect had been apprehended? Second, boxers or briefs?