HOUSE RANSACKED

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 662, 16 January 1933, Page 5

HOUSE RANSACKED

Thieves Set Doctor’s House on Fire. NEIGHBOUR WARNS POLICE. (Special to the " Star.”) AUCKLAND, January 15. Ransacked and then left afire, the home of Dr J. R. Connolly, at 183. Remuera Road, was entered late last night or early this morning by thieves, who drove away in a motor-car. Dr Connolly was away on holidays, and a neighbour, who noticed an open window, rang the police, but the thieves had already gone. Constable M’lnnes, of the Remuera station, arrived and entered by the open window, from which smoke was issuing. He immediately quenched the flames with buckets of water. Although the outbreak was not a big one all the wallpaper was badly scorched. Pictures were down and lying smashed, about the floor, and everything was in disorder. Empty whisky bottles were found on the table and sideboard. # It was ascertained that the fire had started in a large, expensive armchair, which was badly burned. It was also discovered that a hole had been burnt in the floor under the chair. The carpet also was burnt and matches and cigarette butts were scattered on the floor. A next door neighbour informed the constable that she heard voices of several persons inside Mr Connolly’s grounds at about four o’clock this morning. She did not think anything of it at the time, as she thought the family might have returned after the holidays. It is estimated that the damage to the room and contents will total £l5O. The entering and ransacking of dwellings in the suburbs is rife at the present time, the thieves being those who evidently want jewellery and old gold which can be turned into money. In several cases which have occurred recently the thieves have left valuable articles alone, being content to take good jewellery. Yesterday afternoon two houses were entered during the absence of the occupiers and ransacked.