WOMAN GAGGED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22831, 16 March 1936, Page 12

WOMAN GAGGED

ROBBERY IN A FLAT FURS AND JEWELLERY STOLEN. — * Flying Squad officers of London commenced a hunt for two men who attacked a housekeeper, alone in a Bloomsbury flat, gagged and bound her, and escaped with furs and jewellery worth £3OO. Miss Loretta M'Larney, victim of the attack, is employed by Mr Alexander Bcrney, a company director, and his wife at their flat at Ridgmount Gardens, Gower street, W.C. One man stood guard over Miss M'Larney while the other ransacked the rooms. She struggled free after they had gone. This is the story she told: “Mr Berney, his wife and their 10-year old son were out. The men called at about 5 in the afternoon. Both were wearing overcoats and soft hats. They said they were insurance officials, and that they wanted to examine the locks. I was suspicious. I tried to close the door. Then one of them said: ‘This is serious. Shall we?’ The second man answered ‘Yes.’ Then the taller man seizedftme by the throat and pushed me back into the flat. Together they half carried, half dragged me into the dining room. “Then one of them pressed something into by back. lie said ‘lf you don’t keep quiet I’ll lot you have it! ’ 1 do not know whether it was a revolver.

“ They gagged mo Avith a piece of rag. Then one of the men tore up some sheets and used them to hind by hands behind mv hack.

“ While 1 Avas lying on the lloor one of them said: ‘lf yon lie still avc shan’t hurt yon.’ ” DraAvers and cupboards Avere forced in Mrs Bcrney’s bedroom. Mr Bcrney said: “The mcyi took away a valuable mink coat and a line silver fox cape. From my son’s bedroom they took his hank money box and a gold Avrist watch. None of the stolon property Avas insured.”