HOUSE ROBBED

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1933, Page 6

HOUSE ROBBED

THEN SET ON FIRE

AUCKLAND, January 15

•Ransacked and then left afire, the home of Dr. J. R., Connolly, of 183, Reuieura Road was entered late last night or early ting morning by thieves, who drove away in a motor-ear. Dr. Connolly was away on holidays, and a neighbour, who notieced. an open window, rang the police, but the thieves had already gone. Constable Mclnnen, of the Reimvera station, arrived and entered by. the open window, from which smoke was issuing. He immediately quenched the Hamc.j with buckets of water. Although the outbreak was not a bis: one all the wallpaper was hadlv scorched. Pictures were down and lying smashed about the floor, and everything was in disorder. Empty whisky bottl'v, were found on the table and sideboard. It was ascertained that the fire had started in a large, expensive armchair, which was badly burned. It was also discovered that a, hold had been burnt in the floor hinder the chair. The carpet also was burnt and matches and cigarette butts were scattered on the floor.

A next door, neighbour informed the constable that she heard voices of several persons inside Mr Connolly’s grounds at about four o clock this morning. She did not think anything of it at the time, as. she thought the family might have returned after the holidays.

It i® estimated that the damage, to the room and contents will total £l5O. The entering and ransacking of dwellings in the suburbs is rife at the present time, the thieves being those who evidently AVgnt jewellery and old gold which can he turned into money. In'several cases jwbich have occurred recently the thieves have left valuable articles alone, being content t.o take good jewellery. Yesterday afternoon two houses were entered during the absence of the occupiers and ransacked.