DARING THEFT

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 174, 11 April 1923, Page 6

DARING THEFT

PSEUDO-DETECTIVE AND CHINAMAN NO ARREST MADE A Chinaman named Kwong On was robbed of £l* in h< s shop at the corner of Rolleston and Wallace Streets cn a recent night by a daring ruse perpetrated by a young man who pretended that he was a detective. It appears that the pseudo-detective/ who had previously visited Kwong On s gieongrocery shop under tho pretence of searching for hidden stores oropium, went into the living room at tho back of the shop, and after searching tho place asked the Chinaman if he had any of the prohibited drug concealed about his clothes. Kwong On readily agreed to Jus pockets being examined, and the intruder, on placing his hand in tho Chinaman’s left trouser pocket, found a roll of fourteen £1 notes, which ho promptly abstracted. Before his victim could take in tho situation, tho make-believe detective dashed from tho room, through the shop, and out into tho night. When Kwong On reached tho footpath the thief had got a long start, running southward along WeJlaco Street. Tho Chinese, who resides alone, was at a loss what to do, but a lady who came into the shop a few minutes later undertook to telephone to the police. A member of the force was soon on the scene, but was unable to do mote. than taka a statement, from him. . Kwong On is about 60, years, of age, and his shop is in a quiet neighbourhood, being surrounded by private residences. He was able to give a. good description of tho thief to a Dominion reporter. Tho stranger was described by him as being about sft. Bin. in height, of very slight build, clean shaven, and between 25 and 30 years of age. He wore dark clothes and a cap. , , The thief had not been discovered up to last night.