Novelty singing fish deters burglar at bait and tackle shop

ROCHESTER, Minn. - As fish tales go, this is one more that sounds too good to be true - but it is true.

A motion-activated novelty singing fish known as Big Mouth Billy Bass apparently scared off a burglar at a bait and tackle shop in Rochester, Minn. 

According to CBS Minnesota, authorities say the "singing bass" had been hung near the door and would start belting out "Take Me to the River" whenever someone entered the shop. 

"I think he did his job and scared whoever it was right out of his tracks, and they ran," Tom Allen, the owner of the fishing shop told the station.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office says the novelty fish was found on the floor after the intruder knocked it down while breaking the door to get in late Sunday or early Monday.

Sgt. Tom Claymon tells The Star Tribune the would-be burglar left without stealing anything, including cash that had been left in "a very visible spot."

Stay with Crimesider for more fish tales...