FURTHER RAIDS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1932, Page 5

FURTHER RAIDS

OX POSTAL BOXES CHRISTCHURCH DEPREDATIONS (Per Press Associdtion — Copyright.) CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 10. More postal boxes were broken last night, and the letters were stolen. The thefts were located, in the suburbs of Sydenham and St. Albans. It is over a week since previous offences occurred. Th© total boxes rifled to date is now twenty-seven. It is stated also that the stampvending machine in the lobby of the Post Office was tampered with last evening and the contents stolen. :

The Post Office authorities are withholding information. Boxes known to

be broken were at the corners of Broughlaim and Antigua Streets, Sydenham ; Fairfield Street and Antigua Streets, Addington; and Holly Road.

The motive of the' thefts is still lacking, so far nobody has reported any serious loss as a result cf any of the thefts. The thief may be actuated by spite, but evidence that lie ba also looking for gain was found this morning. A resident of Brown's Road, Paparali, discovered on his front lawn, qn envelop©, stamped and addressed, but without postmark. It had been slit .open, and tho contents taken out, Tho envelop© .wias handed over to the police. It is believed that the thief is. now following a tantalising method. After a sudden raid in various parts of the city he may. cease for; a day or two, to break out again and take the authorities ]by surprise. He has been inactive now since ©ably last week, when his total thefts were twenty-two, all executed in the space cf three nights. There are upwards of four hundred boxes scattered .about the city.