“Yard” at Fault

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 39, 16 February 1937, Page 10

“Yard” at Fault

AND "FLANNEL FOOT" LAUGHS LONDON. London’s most famous modern burglar—tho elusive "Flannel Foot"—had a new price on his capture the other day and a new reason to chuckle at the law. To tho policeman who can bring in "Flannel Foot" goes £lO and a two weeks' holiday—tho first time Scotland Yard has resorted to such a means to encourage its men in pursuit to a public enemy. For years now “Flannel Foot" has burgled his way in and out of London surburban homes. For years ho has tormented the police. He telephones them when he takes a holiday. He telephones them when he returns —ready to work. There are hundreds of pages of memorandum about him in Scotland Yard. There is a large map covered with cotton strings to show his activities. No ordinary burglar, "Flannel Foot," one man against thousands, still keeps tho polico guossHis name derives from his use of strips of flannel around his shoos. He works exclusively in outlaying districts, steals small articles as a rulo aud goes through a house in remarkable fast time. He is said to have unusual influence over dogs and, as far as known, has never been disturbed while entering a house. He travels by subwny and by bicycle.