But the hapless would-be thieves run into many obstacles along the way.

The would-be thief broke it trying to get it free.

I was certain that you were about to share his would-be thieves' fate.

The would-be thieves fled; no case could be made.

Two of the would-be thieves are killed in the initial crash.

The would-be thief dropped the chickens and folded up like an accordion.

Joyce raced down the road despite the crowds and snatched the child away from the would-be thief.

"Maybe there are enough would-be thieves to keep him well-fed."

It wasn't particularly difficult to apprehend the would-be thief.

A simple No Radio told the story to would-be thieves.