A DARING THEFT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19011, 6 November 1923, Page 7

A DARING THEFT

MADAME LA COMTESSE HOAXED. THIEVES SECURE VALUABLE HAUL. Praia* Association—By Telegraph— Oopytigat PARIS, November 5. (Received Nov. 5, at 8.25 p.m.) A plot of astounding impudence enabled a band of thieves to steal jewels valued at £500,000 from the Comtesse do Tcssancourt. Tlie Comtesse was persuaded by a chance dancing acquaintance named Mesmer to buy a sapphire and diamond bracelet for 10,000 francs. The next day a young pretty girl and a man friend, who were accompanied by the shame-faced Mesnier, called at the Comtesse’s house and accused Mesnier of stealing the bracelet in the Bois de Boulogne with 5500 francs in the girl’s handbag. Mesnier confessed, and the Comtesse, believing the story, gave up the bracelet. The girl then suggested that unless the Comtesse wished to be accused of receiving stolen goods she had better reimburse the 5300 francs. The Comtesse was so frightened by the possibility of publicity that she gave the money. Next morning the plot developed. Two men claiming to be detectives arrived, bringing Mesnier, who was handcuffed. They said they must search the house for evidence of other thefts. Mesnier continually tried to escape, and the detectives struck him on the mouth and called him a scoundrel until the Comtesse intervened. Finally the detectives packed up a parcel of the Comtesse’s jewels worth half a million, and said thy must take them to a magistrate’s office. Four hours after the Comtesse became suspicious, and the plot was revealed. The police quickly arrested the girl, Mesnier, and three other men, but the sham detectives are still at large.—A. and N.Z. Cable.