A BURGLARY EPIDEMIC.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13110, 8 May 1908, Page 8

A BURGLARY EPIDEMIC.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

AUCKLAND, May 6

The recent burgla.ries in Auckland would seem to indicate that a. gang is at work.

On Tuesday night Mr Gerald Bell, a hatter carrying on business in Kara nga.hake road, had a sensational encounter with a man in his bedroom.

He was awakened by the flashing of a Luilsoye laivtern, and immediately grappl**! with the burglar. In a pocket-book on the dressingtable was £27 in notes, some gold was in a coat pocket, and a quantity of silver in a vest.

The man had taken the £27 in the pock*4-book, a.r.d after an. exciting struggle escaped through the window.

•May 7. Ono of the most daring of many robberies recently is reported to have occurred at Grey Lvnn. Mr J. F. Porter", grocer, had closed his shop as usual on Saturday night, but on Sunday he discoverosl that the premises had ransacked by burglars overnight. Groceries and other goods had been removed wholesale, and cases weighing as much as lowt had disappeared. It is evident that a cart had 'been used by the thieves.

The door wee left locked, and there is no evidence of the premises having been entered by force.

Later. It was reported to-night that burglars v.isited St. Joseph's Convent at Grey Lynn, ar.d stolo £o in cash.