MASKED MEN.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 29 June 1914, Page 1

MASKED MEN.

[ CRIME GANG IN SYDNEY. EARLY MORNING OUTRAGE, •MAN TIED TO HIS BED. The re-appearance of the armed and masked burglar has com© as unwelcome news to the suburban householder in Sydney. It is nearly two years since Sydney lhas known anything in (the shape of a real crime wave, and thero are indications that there i* to* be a repetition ,ot tflic daring hold-ups> carried out by tho "Ginger More" gang, "a gang that was ultimately broken up by tiie arrest and convention of its leader some eighteen months ago. Early on the morning 01, May C two men entered Mr Nicholas Costa's fruit shop, 602 Darling street, Roze'Ue, awakened the only occupant of tlie place, Mr Antonin Jajitello, an employee, from his sleep, tied ham -down to his bed, gagged him at the point of a revolver, and ransacked the place. M r Jajitello, being atone tin the building at the time waa quite unable to raise an alarm. Tho first intimation he ihad of anyone being in the room waa when someone shook him by tire shoulder and flashed an electric torch in his face. Blinded and bewildered by such a sudden awakening, he was unabl c for the moment to realise what was happening. A gruff voice brought him to, his senses. "Where is your money?" at demanded.

Two men were standing beside the bed. They were wearing black masks, and one of them pushed) a revolver to his face. Sir. Jajitello, terrified at the sight of the weapon, motioned a coat that was hanging behind a door.

The two intruders were not content however, to take the money find go. The taller one of the two suggested that Lajitello should bo bound and) gagged, for fear that lie might disturb the neighborhood. The second man refused to submit to be tied down to his bed.

The men took the final precaution of gagging him with a, piece of rag, and then they proceeded to search the house. Tlie sum of £l4 was removed from a coat pocket, but the robbers found little else of value. They departed by the back door and left their victim to contemplate his position. After fihe men had gone, Mr. Jajitcllo l succeeded in wrenching himself free, and commninicatedi with the police. % The outrage is believed to be the work of a gang which has been recently operating in Melbourne. In view of the fact, special men have been told off to keep a close watch on "crooks" from other States who are known to be in the city.