JEWEL THIEVES.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 112, 13 May 1924, Page 5

JEWEL THIEVES.

18 THERE 810 GANG? A WOMAN SPY. SYDNEY, May 8. The startling suggestion that an organised gang of jewel thieves, with a perfected system of espionage is operating in Sydney, is now the subject of investigation. It has gained credence in view of the fact that several robberies, in which jewels seem to be the only articles stolen, have occurred recently. The scheme is said to embrace several men with set sections of work to cover, and to include a. woman, who is used as a spy. Her job is to attend large functions, hotels, and restaurants, at which women are wont to display their valuable articles of jewellery, and to pick out the objects of the subsequent attentions of the gang, of which she is a member. If she fails to discover the identity of her victim she calls in the aid of another member of the gang, and the woman under surveillance is tracked to her home. Nothing is done in a hurry and it may be weeks before action is taken by the members of the confederacy, who are detailed to break into the house and steal the jewels. Prior to their advent, watchers observe the habits of the members of the household, the hours -of their departure, and the possibiities of a quick theft without I molestation. With this knowledge in their possession the real thieves have an easy job, and they carry out the theft with the utmost speed. The work of the gang does not finish with the robbery, however for arrangements are made for the disposal of the loot. In some cases this is done through a fence who arranges for it to be reset and sold at a profit to himself, but the most valuable articles are sold to bona fide traders, whose confidence has been gained by judicious trading beforehand. A number of recent robberies in Sydney, in which precious gems have been the major portion of the haul, lend colour to the theory.