DARING THIEF'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 214, 10 September 1928, Page 5

DARING THIEF'S WORK.

SHOP WINDOW SMASHED.

WHILE OCCUPIER SLEEPS.

LARGE REVOLVER AND GEAR

STOLEN,

A daring thief carried out a most audacious burglary in Rutland Street, near the corner of Queen Street, in the early hours of yesterday morning, on the premises of Mr. J. C. Oldbury, a lock and gunsmith. The large plate glass window of the shop, which i, not more than 20 yards from Queen Street, was smashed, presumably by a hammer or other iron instrument, for no missile was found inside the window. A large hole was made in the pane, enabling the thief to insert his hand and steal a large and practically new .45 calibre Colt revolver and a box full of sporting gear, comprising valuable gun sights adapters, etc. Speaking to a "Star" repAter outside his shop this morning, Mr. Oldbury an elderly man, stated that the total value of the stolen property was in the vicinity of £50. "For years I have slept on the premises at the rear of the shop, he said. "Yesterday morning I heard a noise, but thought it was something which had fallen down in the front of the shop, and I went off to sleep again. About 5 o'clock I was awakened by a heavy knocking at the door, and on rising I found a policeman there. He had discovered the broken window and had come to inform me about it. I think that the thief must have smashed the window with a hammer by the appearance of the broken glass. This is the second time that my window has been smashed in such a manner. A little more than two years ago the side window near the front door was broken aurl another .45 calibre Colt revolver stolen. At that time I had a Pf-,7 th e™' a nd not being able to sell them I kept them in the window for display purposes. Now they have got both of them. It is rather a strange coincidence that the last time the window was smashed it happened about the game time on a Sunday morning. P* r . whlc * stole yesterday I had left in a box until I had time to display it in the window. None of it was insured. I don't wish them any h ° PC l hey shoot themselves \vith the big revolver," added Mr. Oldbury, with a smile.