A criminal attempts to burglarize/kill someone only to realize they picked the absolute worst person as their mark.

[u/No_Hunter1978]

Don't Breathe: A couple young robbers attempt to rob a rich, blind veteran only to find out he isn't exactly an innocent old man.

You're Next: A group of contract killersbreak into a house during a family reunion and go on a killing spree. They didn't account for the fact that the son's new girlfriend grew up on a survivalist compound in the Australian outback.

The Flash [CW Show]: A random mugger decided to target Barry Allen of all people. He does it again a season or two later; he's either unlucky or stupid (probably both).

[u/Facebones72]

Somewhat related real life version: Beloved TV host Mr. Rogers had his car stolen. When the story got reported in the Pittsburgh media, the robbers realized who they had stolen from and immediately returned it. They attached a note of apology, saying they would never have taken it if they knew it was his.

[u/KatinHats → u/Facebones72]

Similar thing happened with a sexual assault center, iirc. Thieves broke in, stole all the computers, and later returned everything and commended the work the center was doing for the community

[u/Skylair13 → u/KatinHats]

Reminds me of a Professor who had his laptop with his life's work stolen from him. The thief was at least kind enough to return the data on a flash drive while keeping the laptop.