BURGLARS AT WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12646, 2 June 1919, Page 3

BURGLARS AT WORK.

I AVONSIDE RESIDENCES VISITED. About a fortnight ago a series of burglaries occurred in several South Island towns, indications pointing to the fact that the burglar was woildag his way up from Dunedin, Timaru being visited a lortnigbt ago to-day and Ashburton a low days later. In view or the migratory tendency of the culprit it was assumed that he would sooner or later try his luck in Christchurch, and apparently he has been at wont during the past few nights in the Avonside district, at least two residences having been entered. The culprit paid a visit to the house of Mr id J. Painter of l&J, River Road, on Saturday uigut, or early yesterday morning, aiid ;Ts a result of a fairly thorough search of the pockets of various garments netted the sum of over £lO. Mr Painter s house is somewhat secluded, standing in about an acre and three-quarters of ground. Tlic house itself is a big one and the thief would have no dilii” ciilty in going through it without disturbing the, occupants. It is assumed that he entered by one of the windows and then made a methodical search of likely repositories for money. Ho abstracted the contents of an envelope, in which was enclosed some money, and carefully replaced the communication accompanying the money. He also went through a leather pocket wallet, in ono ol Mr Painter’s pockets, replacing the contents and even the outside rubber band, after abstracting a sum of money. The local detective force are keeping a, close watch in the hope of bringing the unwelcome visitor’s enterprise to a close and it is stated that already one clue has been found.