Getaway. In Oakland, Calif., a customer walked into the Val Strough Chevrolet Co., asked to see the newest models, chose a two-door sedan, said: "This looks like what I want," got behind the wheel, started the engine and drove off.

Partner's Choice. In Hartford, Conn., Mrs. Joseph Gazik got a divorce after testifying that when her husband had collected 40 cats in their home, she asked him to choose between her and the cats, got a quick answer: "Get out." Better to Give ... In Madison, Wis., after Diane Nelson confessed that she had stolen $12,215 to buy gifts for her boy friend, Albert Hanson, the judge put her on five years' probation, sentenced Hanson to one to eight years.

Planned Parenthood. In Bethel, Conn., a burglar broke into Dr. Albert J. Trimpert's office, ignored valuable drugs and a safe, took two books: Childbirth Without Fear and Obstetrical Techniques.

Invitation. In Memphis, the Commercial Appeal carried this classified ad: "Cafe must be sacrificed . . . Owner has ulcerated stomach. Must sell at once . . ." Helpmeet. In Chicago, when his estranged wife charged him with desertion and sued for separate maintenance, George Layton, 71, told the court that she had plenty of money, got a court order requiring her to pay him $25 a week.

Pressed. In Los Angeles, Walter Clements was jailed on a burglary charge after he stole a pair of pants from a parked car, took them to the Wrigley Park cleaner's, where owner Tsunakichi Miyagshima saw his son's name stamped inside, called police.

Special Interest. In Manhattan, the Studio Bookshop mailed out a list of 200 "new books of interest to all law enforcement officers," including Dr. S. J. Wiklers Your Feet Are Killing You.

Young Ideas. In Salem. Mass., Mrs.

Thomas O'Clare, 79, asking for a divorce, told the court that her husband, 80, caused her great anxiety with his "strong drink and flirtatious ways with other women." Rundown. In Bloomington, Ill., the daily Pantagraph carried this classified ad: "HIGHLY INTELLIGENT fellow . . . lazy, unreliable young man who chews tobacco, has three small children to feed, wants highly paid executive position . . ." Payoff. In Miami, when FBI agents nabbed him, Essex Robinson asked what he was charged with, learned he was wanted for draft evasion, exclaimed: "Oh, is that it? I heard you were after me, so I hurried right down and paid that overdue bill at the clothing store . . ."

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