THE RECENT BURGLARIES.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12478, 14 April 1906, Page 7

THE RECENT BURGLARIES.

STOLEN BOOTY RECOVERED

BETRAYED BY HIS BOOTS

When you go a burgling never leave your hoots behind you. Disregard of that very obvious advico has landed an alleged burglar in gaol, and led to the recovery of stolen jewellery, valued at about £150. The arrest and tho discovery were made by Detectives Bishop and Ward, who are naturally very satisfied with the day's work,, as tho purlieus of Christchurch have been receiving tlio uninvited attentions of tho prowling fraternity, which gets its living by annexing anything handy that is not nailed down.

The accident that ultimately led to tho recovery ot the booty occurred about ten days ago. Some perton spent a good deal ot 'his spaav time one' afternoon watching the house of Mr Mabiy, of Gloucester street, Linwood. At last ho saw Mrs Mably leave th© house, evidently leaving it unoccupied. This was tho watchers awaited opportunity, and he walked inside without delay. All might have ended happily for tho intruder had not Mrs Mabiy, after walking a 6hort distance, returned homo to obtain a bicycle pump. To her surprise a pair of man's boots was lying in the passage. Before anything could be done the uninvited visitor took tho alarm, and dived through tho bathroom window minus his boots. Mr Mably chanced to happen along also, and Mrs Mably gave tho aiarm. Tho barefooted * man, however, did nob wait tor an interview, out belted unceremoniously and made good his escape. But 'his h.:pU proved his undoing. They \\«m-i> n.i;nL.i to the police, together with some uea ot the owner's appearance. ia-i.ti;vct« i..s!iop and \vard get on tn.* ti.uii. .•••<! arn.' ! ii:~vi a man staying at ono .;; .! • Oii. - ;steliui - ch hotels. In his nx>m w..i .. noun p.per parcel, bearing bus na.iio an.: a duress, md the description ..I a pa:r cf boots which had been delivered to lus order by a local firm ot bootmakers. The detectives named went to tho firm in question, and produoed tho paper wrapping and the boots. Tho latter wore what aro called, in the vernacular of the street, "Uomecs," having rubber heels and block fronts, which enable them to be pulled on and off quickly and without' tho trouble of lacing or buttoning. The shopkeeper identified tho boots, and recalled the man to whom they were sold. The man was brought before the Court on Thursday morning, and remanded until April 20th, no evidence being taken. On Thursday afternoon Detectives Bishop and Ward wont out to hunt for bidden treasure, and sure enough they found it. Rummaging amongst the rubbish heap at the rear of the hotel whero accused had stayed, they at length lighted on a hole, apparently filled with sawdust. But this ruse naturally did not throw dust in their eyes. On clearing away the 6awdust, a small Gladstone bag, much the worse for wear, was disclosed. Inside this was a small tin safe, and in that a still smaller one. And it was not like the famous Humbert safe, either. The detectives' eyes wero gladdened by the sight that met them when tho little safe was opened. It contained a fine but miscellaneous collecfcian of jewellery, all stolen property. Thero were four watches, three being of gold, and various rings, stones and trinkets of the total value of about £150. Included in the lot was an exquisite set of dainty cameos, forming a necklet, and a, penknife with body of gold. All the items have been identified. The news of their recovery brought joy to more than one household, as some of the trinkets wore valued more on account of their associations, than for their intrinsio worth. Ons fine old-fiashioned watch has been handed down in the family, from generation to generation, and its recovery was hailed with delight. No fewer than eight burglaries have been committed in and around Ohristchujrch during the past month, the following having been victimised:— Messrs W. G. Garrard, Carlton street; J. H. Fisher, Lower Riccarton; G. Horsley, Sydenham; A. Stark, Pendalton, Cole, Opawa; and Ledger, Fendalton.'and Miss Maiy Loe, Opawa. The accused was first charged with breaking and entering the house of Mr Mably, with in/ten* to commit a crime, but further charges will be preferred against him as tho result of the discovery of the booty specified. A considerable 6um of money has been stolen during tbe month, in addition to the jewellery.