More stupid criminals, this time in New South Wales. Three would-be robbers tried to kick down the door of a restaurant in Gerringong on the south coast, not realising it was an unlocked sliding door.

It could have been a rehearsal for a slapstick comedy but police are taking it seriously. 20 bemused patrons inside the restaurant watched as the three men, wearing balaclavas, tried to kick open the glass door.

"Three men allegedly had hoods covering their faces, one was allegedly armed with a knife," said Senior Sergeant Klepzcarek "The man with the knife attempted to push to open the glass sliding door. Because it wouldn't open, he started kicking it. One of the other men tried to push the sliding door and after a number of attempts all three men have run off".

What would they have done with the proceeds ? Enrol in a clear-thinking course ?