WEST END ROBBERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17030, 2 May 1923, Page 9

WEST END ROBBERY.

LARGE LONDON HAUL. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, May 1. One of the most sensational robberies that have been perpetrated in the West End of Loiuion for some \ ears, was discovered 1.1 the shop ol Harris, lUairman and Sons, in Regent street, which had been ransacked during the week-end. Miniatures ami objects or art. of the value of at least £bi),UUU were stolen. It is believed that the theft was the work of a gang of international thieves, who have lately looted paintings and antiques from several country 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, and cracksmen’s skill in the covering of their tracks. 'The articles stolen include twentyeight miniatures of great rarity, in richly chased and embossed mountings, from world-known private collections. They are nearly all of royal personalities, ami members of the nobility, including Henry 111.. Catherne I. and the Duchess of Orleans.

The articles taken include twenty snuff boxes (mostly gold), silver and gilt statuettes, and a hundred articles of silver table-ware, marked “F.R.” surmounted with a coronet. The Blairmau firm states that the value of the articles stolen can scarcely be approximately estimated. Antique dealers in England and on the Continent have been warned of the nature of the goods. The thieves took everything of value in the shop window show-case. They had evidently studied the movements of the staff and of the police.