THIEF’S RUSE ON TRAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1930, Page 11

THIEF’S RUSE ON TRAIN

POSING AS DETECTIVE. VICTIM ROBBED OF . £2B. ? A thief, who impudently posed as a detective, succeeded in robbing a fellowpassenger on the Harden train on June 2 of £2B. He alighted at the .next ’ station, and so far has the police. ’ There were three passengers in the carriage of the train when the robbery occurred—Mr. David Reid, of Coperfield station, near Rosewood, the thief, and ’another man. Mr, Reid settled down to "sleep and the thief started a con versa-/ tion with the third man on thefts which had occurred bn trains recently, j “I am Detective Prior, of police.headquarters in Sydney,” he said, “and have had a good deal of trouble from these men. Travellers like our fellow-passenger give us great trouble, as. they fallakleep without making sure their money is safe. I think I had better take care ofrthat fellow over there, as he appears liable to bo robbed.” Tho third passenger was impressed by the detective’s capacity for handling a difficult situation, and agreed that it.was a duty to relieve Mr. Reid of his money. Then the thief searched the sleeping man’s pockets, and secured about £2B in bank notes. He stayed on the train and chatted with his companion until , tho train reached Goulburn. The thief .left, saying he had to visit police hcadquaiters, and would send the money to Mr. Reid, whoso pockets ho had ransacked again with tho excuse that lie- wanted to find the address. - When Mr. Reid awoke he was. told what bad happened, and on his anival in Sydney informed tho police.