THEFT IN DAYLIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 4, 5 January 1934, Page 2

THEFT IN DAYLIGHT.

QUEEN STREET PREMISES. JEWELLERY AND BANKNOTES. Jewellery and banknotes estimated to be worth about £200 were stolen in a most daring mariner by thieves who broke into a Queen Street window apparently in broad daylight early last evening. Although the burglary was daring, risk of detection was slight, for passers-'by or even a policeman would not have their suspicions aroused by persons working in a window. The window from which goods were stolen belongs to the Smelters and Refiners Company at 166, Queen Street. The shop itself stands some feet back down a short arcade and goods are displayed in the window which fronts Queen Street. The window is away from the main premises and is reached by a separate entrance through a door at the foot of a flight of stairs leading to the upper floors of Warwick Buildings. The main door to the stairway is left open until late at night. By iorcing two locks on a light wooden floor, the thieves gained access to the window. The burglary was committed between 5.30, when the shop was shut, and 9 p.m., when the caretaker of the building discovered that the window door had been broken open. At 7 p.m. an automatic light switches on, and the managing director of the firm, Mr. H. Robinson, believes that the thieves carried out their work before that hour. Among the missing property were old jewellery containing rolled and real gold, gold watches and diamond, wedding and other rings. Most of the stolen property were goods that could be easily melted down. Australian, Canadian and United States banknotee were also stolen. Antique silver and other large valuables were not touched. "It is fortunate," said Mr. Robinson, "that a considerable amount of old gold displayed. in the window recently was shipped to England last week."