HOUSE BURGLARIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 30 August 1945, Page 4

HOUSE BURGLARIES

ALARMING INCREASE IN AUCKLAND Auckland, Aug. 29. House burglaries in Auckland suburbs have increased to an alarming extent in the past few weeks and the police are making every possible effort to check the epidemic. Since the beginning of this month some 25 homes have been entered and the total value of property stolen amounts to about £7OO. This type of offence has been a regular occurrence over the years, but the present month’s record is the worst for this year. Remuera, Epsom and Sandringham have been the main centres of activity, but the burglaries have not been confined to these suburbs. They have been as widespread as, Kohimaramara, Grey Lynn and Mount Eden. Remuera is usually the most popular haunt of the house burglar and this month has been no excention. Seven burglaries have occurred there this month, while at Epsom there have been about five. The thieves do not always wait for nightfall many of th e burglaries having been committed in the afternoon. In most cases the intruders have gained entry to temporarily unoccupied houses by breaking glass panels on the front doors and opening the locks from inside or by forcing windows. Jewellery and clothing have been the main items in their haul. Silverware has also been keenly sought. A very valuable fur coat was stolen from one house, while from another place, which was completely ransacked while the owner was in Australia, expensive silver ornaments and crockery were taken.