The daft musician

Have you ever __________ (wake up) by the sound of music? When a house in Holland __________ (break into) recently, the burglar couldn’t resist playing the piano! Unfortunately for the thief, the owner of the house __________ (disturb) by the music and the police __________ (call) immediately.

Beware of the parrot!

In a recent theft, a bad-tempered parrot (to leave) English police a vital clue. The bird, which __________(name) Mickey, (to disappear) from a pet shop. Later the police (to find) a trail of blood, which (to allow) them to make a DNA match to the suspect. The thief __________ (to identify) because he __________ (to bite) by the parrot.

Video evidence

On Sunday, John Smith’s mobile phone, iPod and video camera __________ (to steal) by thieves who (to drive) away in his car. Mr.Smith (to chase) the thieves who (to crash) his car and (to escape) on foot. Unluckily for the thieves, the video camera was on, and they __________ (to film). They__________ (to identify) easily and by Thursday evening they __________ (to catch).

Cat Dodgers

Three cat burglars __________ (to think) that they __________ (to have) a good idea – to climb down a chimney to get into a clothing store. The trouble __________(to be), the fireplace __________(to brick) up. One of them __________(to get stuck) at the bottom of a 15 feet shaft. The others had to wave from the rooftop until they _________(to catch) the eye of a passing policeman. Firemen __________ (to break down) the fireplace at the store to help the man out.

b) Discuss the following:

1. Which of these criminals do you think was the most stupid?

2. Do you know any other funny stories or jokes about criminals?

Task 21. a) Unscramble these words.

IOSGGBNNLE - _______________

TTEEIRDSCR - _______________

DOIPEHTRBI - _______________

b) Use all three words to make a sentence of your own.

Task 22. Make a written translation of the text and think about the title for it.

The illicit drug trade is truly international, spanning the globe. Drug traffickers are not confined by national boundaries; they transport their goods through many countries and often market their wares in several nations.

To be effective in combating this trade, an individual customs service cannot stand alone. It must work with other agencies, both nationally and internationally to share information and intelligence on all aspects of the drug trade to improve their capability to target suspect passengers or cargo. This includes general information on such topics as the routings, concealment methods and modus operandi as well as more precise information on specific smuggling activities where individuals or organizations are being targeted.

Speaking

Task 23. Discuss the questions:

1. Why is passengers’ baggage searched?

2. What questions do customs officers ask passengers before inspecting their baggage and why?

3. What can help customs officers perform their work more efficiently?

Task 24. Get ready to speak on the topic. Use the vocabulary of the unit.