DESPICABLE THEFT

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1935, Page 8

DESPICABLE THEFT

BLIND BIAN ROBBED AT SYDNEY.

BOGUS BANK NOTE PRESENTED.

The Sydney police have been inquiring into a case of petty theft in the city, which they describe as one of the meanest they have . ever known. Cecil Skinner, aged 18, who is blind, has a small stand in Pitt Street, and spile cigarettes and tobacco there. He is a familiar figure, and has many customers. His sensitive fingers can tell in an instant the denomination of any coin placed in his hand, and he can also recognise a bank note by touch, A man approached Skinner recently and asked him for a shilling packet of cigarettes, and a box of matches. He said he had only a £1 note, and asked for change. The blind youth provided the change, picking out the coins without trouble, and held out his hand for the note. The man pushed something into the pocket of Skinner’s coat, took the change and cigarettes, and left. Skinner put his hand in his pocket and immediately recognised the fraud. The thief had a few seconds grace, and trie blind youth could not pursue him, but when he called out that he had '•been robbed, a man chased the thief. Apparently he had no success. “I knew the paper was not a note the moment I touched it,” said Skinner afterwards. “It was about the same size and shape as a £1 note, but the texture was entirely different. I would not have been caught but for the few seconds delay in getting my fingers on it.”