THE "CAT" BURGLAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20296, 2 July 1929, Page 14

THE "CAT" BURGLAR.

GUILTY TO 27 CHARGES.

STATEMENTS TO THE POLICE

RISKS IN CLIMBING BUILDINGS

Evidence in 27 charges preferred against Reginald Gordon Cotterill, aged 23, described by the police as tho "cat" burglar, was heard in the Police Court yesterday before Messrs. E. Smith and Ifr Trovclyan King, J.P.'s. Tho charges related to tho breaking and entering of premises, with the exception of one chargo dealing with the passing of a valueless cheque for £IOO for tho purchase of a motor-car. Accused was charged with stealing a total sum of £l7 3s 6d. It was revealed that in many buildings no money was taken. Eleven offices yielded money, the largest amount being £5 and tho smallest 3d.

Twenty witnesses gave evidence, tho hearing occupying over ono hour and ahalf. A large assortment of keys, an electric torch and a revolver wore produced, the keys having been stolen from various offices and the revolver removed from the office of Mr. E. J. Prendergast, solicitor, Shorthand Street. The buildings entered wero situated in Queen Street, Swanson Street, Shortland Street, Lome Street, Fort Street and Victoria Street, all the offences occurring between May 27 and Juno 18. Walking on 10-Inch Parapet. Risks taken by tho accused in entering tho premises were brought out in evidence. In ono case it was stated that ho walked along a parapet lOin. wide in a light well, a drop of 40ft. to a tiled floor awaiting any falso step. Only a few cigarettes wero gained as a result of tho perilous walk. In another case tho accused was faced with a perilous climb up a light well to gain access to a safe, which he was unable to force. At an early stage in tho hearing Mr. King asked that accused might be abln to sit down in the dock. The request was granted, although Chief-Detective Hammond ridiculed tho idea, in view of accused's midnight prowls. Acting-Detective Mills said that he found accused hiding in tho shadows in Short's Buildings on the evening of Juno 20. Ho stated that his name was Gordon Martin, of Birkdale. He was in possession of a torch and this caused witness to take him to the police station, where ho mado a statement admitting many offences.

Blank Cheques at Rooms. In company with another detective witness went to accused's lodgings in Hobson Street and found there several blank cheques which were stolen from an office in Victoria Arcade. Three statements, made by the accused at various times, were submitted by the police. Accused said he came to Auckland from Whangarei in April. 110 lived at Birkenhead and was employed as a bus-driver. He lost his position and resided in tho city. lie further stated: "In each of the oflices I went into it was iny intention to try to obtain money. I was out of work and I wanted some money to keep me going."" Accused pleaded guilty to all charges and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. No application was made for bail.