Harry Harrison's "The Stainless Steel Rat" (short story, robbery, free): Crooks wanted!

Only thing that puzzles me is: was this the story that spawned the huge "Stainless Steel Rat" series? This story is decent timepass, but it's not outstanding by any standards.

Story is of a master thief, long on the run from law, the one who always give the cops a slip. Well, there is a last time, & he will be finally caught. But he'd never dreamt of the punishment he'll get...

Fact sheet.

First published: Astounding, August 1957.
Note: There also appears to be a novel of this title. I don't know if that's an expanded version.
Download full text from author's website.
Among the stories from Astounding/Analog issues edited by John Campbell.
Rating: B.
Related: Stories of Harry Harrison.