THIEVES’ RAID

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1930, Page 5

THIEVES’ RAID

HOME “BANK” OVERLOOKED

AUCKLAND, Aug. 30,

After thoroughly ransacking a house at Green Lane last evening thieves got nothing for their trouble, although in the course of their search tliej oveilooked a home “bank” which would have provided a respectable haul. The “bank” is a gallon oil tin into which, in the past three years, spare halfcrowns had been dropped. It was in a very prominent place on a table in the- middle of a room, and perhaps for that reason it escaped investigation. Mr Joseph M’Donald. of 11, Beach Parade, with his wife and family, left home in their car early last evening. Returning at 11.30 pan. they were surprised to find both front and back doors open. They next found that somebody had been in the house and had visited every room. Every drawer had been pulled open, and the contents scattered, and even the bedding had been thrown about. The conclusion that Mr M’Donald arrived at was that a very intensive search of his home had been made for money. It was Mr M’Donald’s nephew who had made a practice of saving halfcrowns in the oil tin, and as the home “bank” stood on a table it was no doubt noticed, although without exciting any interest as to the contents. “They were characters all right,” said .Mr M’Donald, who took the burglars’ visit rather philosophically. “Fancy going to all the trouble of ransacking the place and then overlooking my nephew’s ‘oil hank,’ which contained quite a few pounds’ worth of half-crowns and ether coins. No doubt they wore after money, for they did not touch a camera and other articles of value If they call again they will not- get anything. After this the ‘oil bank’ will be put where it will be safe.” Mr M’Donald is of the opinion that the thieves watched the family’s departure last evening, and then made their raid upon his house.