Raining money

Source: Henrikas Mackevicius en Pexels

'Raining money': Belgians urged to return stolen cash

 

Police are urging people from a small town in Belgium to return tens of thousands of euros in cash that were thrown out of a speeding car by thieves attempting to make a getaway.

The incident occurred in the Flemish town of Zedelgem after the thieves stole a safe from a nearby house.

The thieves threw the safe out the car to distract police officers. It broke open and passers-by grabbed 50-, 100- and 200-euro notes that were scattered.

The thieves are still on the run. 

'Raining money' 

One man said he had picked up two rolls of 5,000 euros only to have a police officer grab them back, reports the BBC's Matthew Price. 

Another said it was as if it was "raining money".

The local prosecutor says it was "self service" as passers-by filled their pockets with the scattered cash.

While some have returned the money, a considerable sum is yet to be recovered. 

 Anyone keeping the cash could face up to two years in jail, officials say.

Source: BBC News

 

 

After reading the text, translate the following words and expressions:
  

Vocabulary:

cercano/a -

una caja fuerte -

recoger -

coger (con fuerza) -

un ladrón / ladrones -

instar -

un transeúnte -

emprender la fuga -

la cárcel -

hasta -

yiendo / ir a gran velocidad -

dispersar -

un funcionario -

el fiscal -

afrontar -

en fuga -

  

Grammar:

Another said it was as if it was "raining money".

As if / though + subject + past tense  (present meaning)

We use the above form to indicate unreality, improbability or doubt.

She acts as if she was the boss. (but she isn't)

Compare:

They look as though they are rich.  (real possibility)

They dress as if they were rich. (but they aren't)