Well, this might be the first time I have ever been grateful to see a criminal released from jail.

When residents of Aurora, Co., began noticing property damage, they were concerned. Then when items disappeared, they were angry.

Even drivers were finding their way blocked by this conniving thief. The only problem – he weighed 400 pounds and no one seemed able to catch him.

That is – until now.

Fred, a ginormous pig, had spent the past two weeks taking part in a crime spree across the town.

The Aurora Police Dept., and Aurora Animal Services was inundated with calls about the porky pest.

“We responded out a few times. The first couple of times, we were unable to find what was causing the problems,” Aurora Animal Shelter field supervisor of Housing and Community Services Augusta Allen said.

The pig, officials said, had been running around town, tearing up landscapes.

Fred relaxing after his capture. Photo by the City of Aurora

“Property damage, being too cute, maybe waking people up,” Allen said, laughing.

He would probably be a pretty horrible alarm clock to wake up to and look out your window and there’s this giant pig eating your lawn.”

It took days and multiple people, but finally the personable pig, which was named ‘Fred’ by the police and shelter officials, was caught.

“We finally found him and got him,” Allen said. “Took about eight people to capture him.

Shelter officials think Fred is about 3 years old – which is a tad young for a criminal background.

Unfortunately, no one had been able to locate Fred’s owners, and no one came forward to claim the pig.

“He’s very sweet, very loving, loves the attention,” Allen said.

She said that it is likely that Fred was abandoned after he got too big and the owners likely didn’t know what to do with him.

“He’s a big boar. He was enjoying his holiday of running around the city. There is that possibility he got too big and someone turned him out not knowing what to do,” Allen said.

Fortunately, he wasn’t hit by a car or created big issues for himself.”

Since pigs aren’t allowed on most residential properties in Aurora, she said, finding Fred his perfect home would take a bit of creative thinking, and they hope the pig has learned his lesson.

“I hope he is on the straight and narrow path and will be straightened up, a reformed pig, yes,” Allen said, laughing.

Fred’s only crime, she said, was stealing the hearts of everyone at the shelter. Staff worked hard to find him a new spot.

Thankfully, the friendly pig didn’t have to wait too long. The Eads High School’s Future Farmers of America program adopted the pig and plan to give him a good life with plenty of students to help take care of him.

“We will miss him greatly,” Allen said. “He is such a sweet boy.”

Watch below for a look at the crazy criminal and his new home!

Sources: Denver 7 | KKTV | The Sentinel