J. L. HAY’S, LTD., ENTERED BY BURGLAR DURING WEEK-END.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18991, 10 February 1930, Page 10

J. L. HAY’S, LTD., ENTERED BY BURGLAR DURING WEEK-END .

Big Haul Of Mens’ Suits And Other Articles Secured By Thief

Hay’s Ltd., the drapery establishment in Gloucester Street, was entered during the week-end by a thief, who, after making a search, departed with a number of suits of clothes and other articles to a total value of between £4OO and £450. It is probable that the thief used a vehicle of some sort to get his loot away. It is not known how he got into the premises, but there are a number of right-of-ways at the back of the shop and it is believed that the thief left the vehicle in one of them and entered the building from the rear, probably by means of a key, secured his haul and departed.

When the shop was opened this morning a scene of confusion met the eyes of the employees. Goods had been turned over and tossed about carelessly. It was the men’s department, however, to which the thief had given most attention. The firm was carrying large stocks of ready-made suits and the thief made practically a clean sweep of them. Rack after rack was left bare. Anything which got in the road was swept aside and left to lie. At last, when his taste had been satisfied, and his stock of summer suitings had grown to quite considerable proportions, he departed, taking with him the | bundle, which contained also other arti-| cles of clothing. It is not yet known |

what exactly was the size of the ; “swag.” It was clothing that the thief • wanted, evidently, for the desks in the . offices were not interfered with. All doors and windows were found secure this morning, and it has not yet been ascertained how* the intruder got in. The premises were opened just before Christmas, and workmen are still busy on the building. Though no positive estimate of the amount can be given as yet, the firm . is a considerable loser. As Mr J. L. I Hay remarked this morning, “When a , firm has just newly started, it is pretty : hard for a thing like this to happen.” ■ j Detectives visited the -shop this mornII ing, and are conducting investigations.