WEST-END ROBBERY

Southland Times, Issue 18930, 2 May 1923, Page 5

WEST-END ROBBERY

A SENSATIONAL AFFAIR CLEVER GANG SECURES GREAT HAUL (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 1. (Received May 1, 7.20 p.m.) One of the most sensational robberies in the West End of London for some years was discovered in the shop of Harris, Blair- [ man & Sons, in Regent Street, which had i been ransacked during the week-end. Miniatures, objects of art valued at least £50,000, were stolen. It is believed the theft was the work of a gang of international thieves, who have lately looted paintings and antiques at several country mansions. Entering through the skylight of the premises, from which the caretaker was absent, the thieves made a leisurely selection, showing the skill of connoisseurs in their choice. The cracksmen shewed skill in covering their tracks. The articles stolen include twenty-eight miniatures of great rarity, in richly chased embossed mountings, from world-known private collectors. They are nearly all of royal personalities, and members of the nobility, including Henry 111., Catherine 1., and the Duchess cf Orleans. Twenty snuff boxes were stolen, mostly of gold and silver gilt statuettes, and a hundred articles of silver tableware, marked “F.R.,” surmounted with a coronet. Their value can scarcely be approximately estimated. Antique dealers in England and the Continent have been warned of the nature of the goeds. The thieves took everything of value in the shop window showcase. They had evidently studied the movements of the staff and the police.