DOG RAISES ALARM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 187, 10 August 1931, Page 3

DOG RAISES ALARM

TWIN BURGLARS CAUGHT. How a piece of music picked up on the roadside by a detective led to the arrest ot twin brothers, J. K. and T. Sykes, labourers, wag explained at the Durham Assizes lately. They pleaded guilty to breaking into the house of Mr Ernest Minto, colliery manager, and stealing a quantity of silver, cutlery, and other goods. Mr Clifford Cohen, prosecuting, stated that‘the brothers were bound over at the last Assizes on a similar charge. Thu Judge, remarking that they had not taken advantage of the chance then given, sentenced them to nine months’ imprisonment. Counsel stated that one night Mr Minto was sitting up late, reading, when his dog became restive. Going to see the cause, he discovered that his house had been entered, but that the thieves had disappeared. The police were informed, and a detective tracked footprints in the snow to the house of one of the prisoners. On the way he discovered some of the stolen property and also a piece of music called “The Toilers,” which, ou investigation, he found John Sykes was in th- habit of singing at public houses. When the officer called on the brothers, they admitted their guilt, John Sykes remarking, “Wo were fools to do it.” *