SAMOAN BURGLARS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 33, 23 February 1937, Page 6

SAMOAN BURGLARS

Masks and Greased Bodies DWELLINGS ENTERED APIA, Jan, 28. There have been several burg^laries •'in Samoa lately, the natives committingjthe crimes showing a decidedly compre-: •hensive knowledge of methods. Beceht Jintruders have worn masks, greased (their bodies, and cut their way through 'the floors of buildings. They have been iso soft-footed that they have entered bedrooms in which the occupants were asleep and got away without being seen. One or two intruders have been disturbed, but were not recognised, as they had their faces covered with masks. Cash seems to be the main objective, for only trifling effects have been re•moved from privaie dwellings, but food has been stolen from stores. At one place the thieves went to the office and ate a meal of tinned meat, fish and biscuits, which they had stolen froin the store. The police have been greatly hampered in their inquiries, as Samoans have .taken a delight in misleading them. or disclaiming all knowledge ot the affairs. Thg native police are equally at sea, as the "educated" native is a master of dissimuiation. Even when a conviction is seeured the conseqnent sentenee is no deterrent as the native knows he will be well cared for and fed with a minimum of personal effort. The disgrace of imprisonment does not count.