CLEVER CRIMINALS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1926, Page 4

CLEVER CRIMINALS

“THE AUSTRALIAN PATTERN.” LONDON, June 16. Australian criminals operating in the West End of London are engaging the attention of Scotland Yard. Now that the big cricket season has started, one of the “Big. Four” ol Scotland Yard declares that Australians have forgotten more than Americans ever knew. A well-known Australian doctor domiciled in London—a cricket enthusiast—told an Australian correspondent with the team that two Australians stole his pocket-book ill Piccadilly the other evening.

“They approached me and said ‘You look like an Australian,’ ” said the doctor.

“I replied: ‘Yes, I am proud of the fact.’

“One of the strangers, both of whom were dressed ill the height of fashion, asked: ‘lion 1 do you think our hoys will fare at Nottingham,’ ” The doctor replied that lie hoped they would win. The strangers then left, the conversation having lasted a minute. “It’s good to meet an Australian," was the men’s farewell shot. A minute Inter, the doctor discovered that his pocket-book, containing £•{ was missing. “Tho strange tiling is that the same hook was stolen, at St. Ivikla, when I was there with the English team on the last tour,’’ said the doctor. On that occasion £4O was taken, but the pocket-book, containing a letter of credit was found in front of the George Hotel next morning. Tho hook is the gilt of Australian friends.