In German we say "Gelegenheit macht Diebe", and Leo suggests a translation, "opportunity makes the thief"¹. It is not restricted to actual theft but applies to general, probably immoral, advantage-taking in face of an opportunity which presents itself (like the key in the ignition).

(I see only now that NVZ made that remark long before I wrote this. Well, I think it's a good answer.)

In German we say "Gelegenheit macht Diebe", and Leo suggests a translation, "opportunity makes the thief"¹. The phrase is not restricted to actual theft. It describes the observation that most people do not actively pursue anything criminal. But yet some (many? most of us, given enough incentive?) are not able to resist an opportunity which presents itself, like the key in the ignition.

It is usually used to explain why something happened, or as advice that simply not tempting people suffices to avoid most harm. For example, putting the key in the unlocked glove compartment, out of view — but still trivially reachable! —, would keep the vast majority of people from stealing the car because they would not actively search the car.

(I see only now that NVZ made that remark long before I wrote this. Well, I think it's a good answer.)

In German we say "Gelegenheit macht Diebe", and Leo suggests a translation, "opportunity makes the thief"¹. It is not restricted to actual theft but applies to general, probably immoral, advantage-taking in face of an opportunity which presents itself (like the key in the ignition).

In German we say "Gelegenheit macht Diebe", and Leo suggests a translation, "opportunity makes the thief"¹. It is not restricted to actual theft but applies to general, probably immoral, advantage-taking in face of an opportunity which presents itself (like the key in the ignition).

(I see only now that NVZ made that remark long before I wrote this. Well, I think it's a good answer.)