THIEVES’ RAID

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 81, 4 March 1935, Page 6

THIEVES’ RAID

dwelling ransacked.

MUCH MISCHIEF DONE. Leaving the interior of the house in the utmost disorder after a hurried search for valuables, intruders—obviously several —who broke into and thoroughly ransacked the dwelling of Mr and Mrs A. J. Jackson, in Albert Street, on Saturday evening, were not content with the results of their raid, which included the Sunday dinner. During their ramblings through the house in the occupiers* absence, they deliberately committed as much mischief as possible. Mrs Jackson and her daughter left homo at 7.20 p.m., securely locking their house, Mr Jackson also being absent at the time. At 8.15 p.m. a neighbour, whose family were also out, returned home to find evidence of an attempted burglary at his residence, where a pane of glass had been - smashed in the front door, permitting tire door to be opened. Apparently he was just in time to frustrate similar depredations at his premises. Whoever was at work there made good his escape. The householder rushed to Mr Jackson’s place to telephone the police, but found that his house had been unlawfully entered, entry having been gained in similar fashion by smashing the glass in the front door and slipping the lock. He noticed the electric light burning in one of the front rooms of the house as lie approached, but when he called out it was swutched off, and the burglars disappeared in the darkness. An examination of Mr Jackson’s house disclosed that every drawer and box had been emptied, and their contents scattered about the floor in indescribable confusion. Beds were turned upside down and a box unceremoniously ransacked. Such was the extent of the mischief accomplished in go short a period that it made it obvious that the raid was the work of several intruders. Indicative of the mischief done was the slashing of a frock by a sha.rp instrument. Strangely enough two valuable rings were not taken, two gold bracelets were left lying on a bed, and three fur coats were left untouched. Nevertheless, the burglars decamped with goods worth at least £lO, besides £4 in money. Included in their haul was a suitcase, a camera and a pearl pecklace.

Cakes and loaf sugar were scattered about the kitchen, a purse cut open and general mischief done. Two chickens which had been prepared for dinner on Sunday were taken, but parts of them were left on a table. Some five weeks ago a man was seen peering through a front window of tho house, but made good his escape. There have been frequent similar incidents in the locality during the last twelve months.