“What Is Suspicious To Own But Not Illegal?”: 24 People Share What Makes Them Feel Criminal

Article created by: Mantas Kačerauskas

Standing in the checkout line at a home improvement store can get more interesting when you notice someone buying an “interesting” combination of goods. Yards and yards of rope, locks and duct tape, perhaps saws and garbage bags. Somehow, our brain starts to develop its own “fun ” little narratives.

Someone asked, “What is suspicious to own but not illegal?” and folks shared all the items that might make you feel like a true criminal. We also got in touch with the fabulously named TooGayToPayCash to learn why they decided to pose this question. So get comfortable as you read through these posts and be sure to upvote your favorites. If you have any examples of your own to share, feel free to comment below.

I got pulled over late at night and when the cop shined his light into the cargo area of my station wagon the most visible objects were a shovel, rope, gloves, and the giant tarp-wrapped bundle of yard refuse I was bringing to the town compost in the morning. Surely there was at least one roll of duct tape or gorilla tape back there. At least he had a sense of humor about it when he strolled up to my window: “So we’re off to bury the body under the cover of night, huh?”

sightlab Report

Shopping cart in a busy store aisle, illustrating what is suspicious to own but not illegal items concept. I was at home Depot with a shopping cart full of PVC stuff, and this cop standing in line behind me says “building a potato cannon, huh?”.

I actually *was* building a potato cannon.

Conch-Republic Report

Bolt cutters leaning against a weathered wooden post in a grassy field, evoking feelings of suspicious ownership. I lost the key to my crawlspace’s padlock once, and went to the hardware store to buy bolt cutters, so I could replace it. I told the cashier why I was buying them (without being asked) and he was like “it’s funny, everyone that buys bolt-cutters feels like they need to tell me why they are buying them. I think they just want me to know they aren’t about to do something illegal.”

FackleGracks , Tekton Report

Supermarket aisle filled with various products, illustrating items that may seem suspicious to own but are legal. It’s not illegal to go to Walmart and buy trash bags, a saw and cleaning supplies at 2am but I’ve seen enough true crime stuff to say it is mighty suspicious.

Nippon-Gakki , Caique Morais Report

Close-up of suspicious leaking pipe and valve with dripping water, illustrating what is suspicious to own but not illegal. For me water. My neighbors had well water and would dry up. They asked if they could run a hose and put it in there well they would pay what was owed. Did this alot last summer no big deal they paid. Then they bought a big above ground pool. Filled it for them they always paid my part was always around the same so I wasn’t bent out of shape. One day the water meter guy knocked with an officer wanting to know why I was using so much water. I explained showed the many hoses to reach my neighbors and they were there to help explain. They explained to me that much water usage was throwing a red flag. So they were sent out to investigate to make sure no marijuana growing was happening.

Regractoolstu , Valentin Petkov Report

Close-up of suspicious to own coffee beans held by person wearing black gloves, viewed from above on a white floor. I got stopped and questioned at airport security because of my jewellery scales and grinder.. until I showed them my coffee beans and Aeropress.

TripleDistance , Nathan Dumlao Report

Military tank moving on dirt road with soldier, illustrating suspicious to own but not illegal items concept. A tank. Most states don’t prohibit you owning one because it’s just something you don’t expect someone to have… but I’d find it really suspicious if one was parked in my neighbors driveway

mcknightrider , Kevin Schmid Report

Close-up of hand holding a patterned blade knife, illustrating suspicious items to own but not illegal. A “ritual” dagger, as he described it. My one college roommate had one displayed and would occasionally need the room to himself. I opted for a place where I had my own room next year.

TheSexyMicrowave , Anis Rahman Report

Close-up of suspicious mushrooms growing indoors, illustrating items that feel criminal to own but are not illegal. Psilocybin mushroom spore kits. Legal to buy, illegal to cultivate and distribute the mature product.

G_Art33 , Wikipedia Report

Box of Kirkland AllerClear D-24 hr allergy medicine held in hand, a suspicious item to own but not illegal. A lot of Claritin-D 24 hour allergy medicine. It takes a while, but I do this over the summer and winter so I don’t run out in fall and spring.

statistacktic Report

Person typing on a laptop in a café, illustrating the feeling of suspicious ownership that is not illegal. A suspiciously large homework folder on your computer.