SPORTING BURGLAR

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1933, Page 3

SPORTING BURGLAR

VALUED ARTICLES RETURNED

TRIBUTE BY THE VICTIM

Somewhere in .London there ] s a sporting burglar. Tribute ,is paid to him by his -victim. In response to an appeal made by Mr E. J- Thai, of Hyde Park Terrace, the man who broke into his home returned by post five miniatures which - are of great sentimental value to the owner.

“They came back by post at midday.” Mr Thai said/ “They were in an ordinary envelope, properly stamped, and my name and address were printed by hand in block letters. I want to say a very sincere ‘thank you’ to theburglar, and to let him know bow verj grateful I am. He was very sporting. “The miniatures have been removed, from their setting—the lid of. a- blue enamelled cigarette box with a gold rim. But I do not mind the jewels and box so long as I have the- miniatures. These are of Mr Thai’s children when they wore young and of himself iu naval uniform.

The return of the miniatures, follows a mysterious telephone message • which Mr Thai received. ‘A man, who led me to believe that he was the person who stole the box rang up mv address in London, but I was out of town,” said Mr Thai, describing the incident. “The servant who answered the telephone told the caller that I was away. He then.asked for the number of the house where I was. Twice the. man telephoned this address, which' was about 30 miles out of London. The first time I was not in.

“The man-said lie- ; was very much touched by mv appeal, which he had seen in the newspapers. He added that lie would be able to got the miniatures next day and would then send them to me by post. The voice did not sound that of an educated man. If the burglar should be caught and the other goods he recovered I should certainly have no wish to prosecute him.' ,- ■