CLOCK-STEALING GANG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21462, 8 April 1933, Page 3 (Supplement)

CLOCK-STEALING GANG

A new swindle is being worked by a gang in London, and a large number of dining-room clocks have vanished. A smart, well-spoken young man calls at a house, and his visit usually coincides with a time when only a maid is left in charge. " I've called for the clock which is to be repaired, please," ho says. The maid, probably puzzled, or even suspicions, answers: " Oh, which clock?"

" It's the striking clock, and I must take it now because it has to be returned to-night." The young man's nice manner usually works the trick, and ho is led into the living-room, where he takes the best clock—and is seen no more. Neither is the clock.

The police in London suburban districts have received a number of complaints recently. " The idea is well worked out, and if the man is challenged he simply says ' Oh, then I must have come to the wrong house; I'm sorry to have troubled you,' " a police inspector said. " I think a car is used to make a quick disappearance, and to carry away the clocks."