A BIG ROBBERY.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1923, Page 2

A BIG ROBBERY.

A LONDON SENSATION. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION. LONDON, May L One of the most sensational rohlieries in the West End of London for some years has been discovered in the shop of Messrs Harris, Blummui and .Sons, in Regent Street, which has been ransacked during the week-end. Miniatures and objects of art, valued at least at (.’50,000, have been stolen. It is believed that the theft was the work of a gang of international thieves, who have lately looted the paintings and antiques from several countrv mansions.

Entering through the skylight premises. from which the caretaker was absent, the thieves made a leisurely selection, showing the skill of connoisseurs in their choice, and also showed cracksmen’s skill in covering their tracks. The articles stolen include 2S minatures of great rarity, in richly-chased and embossed mountings, from worldknown private collections. They Heavily all are of royal [tersonalities and mcmltei’s of tho nobility, including lfeiirv HI, Catherine I, and the Duchess of Orleans. There were also 20 snuff boxes, mostly gold and silver gilt, taken, as well as statuettes. There were 100 articles of silver table ware, marked “F.R.” and surmounted with a coronet.

Air Blairriian states the value of tho articles lost can scarcely be approximately estimated.

The 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 showcase. They had evidently studied the movements of the staff, and the police.