ATTEMPT TO SELL CAR

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29010, 26 September 1959, Page 15

ATTEMPT TO SELL CAR

Police Search For Thief

Christchurch police have sent out an alert for a man who nearly succeeded in selling a stolen 1959 model car yesterday by an ingenious trick. The man used specialty made number plates in his attempt to sell the car which had been stolen earlier that afternoon. The plates were made frcm thin fibreboard and looked like the real thing even from only five feet away. The car, a 1959 model Hillman, was left unlocked in Gloucester street at 1 p.m. yesterday. The ignition key was in the glove box. When the driver returned at 3.30 p.m. the car had gone. At 4.20 p.m. a man tried to sell the car to a second-hand car dealer. The man said that the registration papers were in the North Island. The dealer refused to buy the car, however, and soon after the man arrived at another dealer’s premises. While the dealer was questioning the man about the car he suddenly said he wanted some cigarettes and left. He did not return.

C. 1.8. detectives described the man as being sft 9in in height, of slim build, with a dark complexion and freckles. He is about 28 to 30 years of age. He was quietly spoken and neatly dressed. He was wearing a dark gaberdine overcoat, green felt hat, and a dark scarf. He had tan leather gloves and a tan satchel..