America; land of the free, home of the brave...and teenagers who say "pay up or the bunny gets it!"

A teenager in Portland Maine on America's East Coast clearly has too much time on his hands. The little bandit has been charged with stealing a pet bunny and trying to extort money from the bunny's owner.

The 17-year old is accused of breaking into the apartment of another local teenager and stealing their pygmy rabbit. Police said he then telephoned the rabbit's owner demanding repayment of a $100 debt or else the rabbit would be hurt.

Happily, Lt. Tony Ward said Portland police officers recovered the rabbit in good condition. Phew!

The 17-year-old faces charges of burglary and theft in connection with the break-in. The teenager also faces charges of robbery, assault and terrorizing following a confrontation last Friday in which he allegedly stole another teenager's skateboard, backpack and pocket money.

Quite the serial criminal isn't he, and it certainly makes a change from hearing stories about teenagers nicking cars and knifing people doesn't it?