[bbfan1991]

German police were left confused after failing to find a toilet paper thief in their own ranks.

The state criminal police (LKA) in Thuringia set up high-tech cameras, usually involved in cases about organised criminals, after cleaners reported that rolls of toilet paper had been going missing in 2010.

The Local reports that president of LKA Werner Jakstat gave permission for an investigation into the missing loo rolls shortly after the alarm was raised.

When the inquiry failed, hidden cameras were approved by public prosecutors and installed in the corridor near to the toilet.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that surveillance experts, who normally work on cases involving the mafia, biker gangs and religious extremists, were called in to install the cameras.

Despite the high-tech equipment, the police failed to catch the thief. In April, they requested an additional camera but were turned down.

The case was closed on May 5 without a resolution.