BURGLARIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1032, 28 November 1912, Page 2

BURGLARIES.

TWO BCIDDINGS ENTERED.

This morning, Messrs A. R. Osborne and R. N. Speirs upon opening their respective business premises, found evidence that some person or persons had paid them a nocturnal visit. In both cases the entrance had been effected by means of the window, and in the case of Mr Osborne’s tailoring establishment, the thief secured a quantity of clothing, etc., but his visit to Mr Speirs’ office was apparently unsuccessful as there was nothing in the building of any value to other than Mr Speirs himself. Mr Osborne’s shop was entered by means of the back window, which, by an oversight the previous evening, was left unlatched. The object of the burglar’s visit was apparently to obtain clothing and other goods as no attempt had been made to open the safe. Several coats had been tried on, with a view no doubt of getting a good fit. Mr Osborne is unable to say exactly what quantity of clothing, etc., has been taken, but that the visitor has replenished his wardrobe to a certain extent is evident. The only evidence left as to his identity are nis footprints about the shop, on the window sill and on some cloth which was lying on the table. On making his departure he partly closed the window after him.

Mr Speirs’ office was also entered by means of the window, but in this instance it was necessary to get through the top sash as the bottom one was nailed down. The drawers in the table and desk were pulled out and the papers, etc., both in the drawers and on the table, were turned over in an effort to find something of value. As in the case of Mr Osborne’s building the safe was not interfered with. A candle which was in the office had been lighted and the amount of candle-grease about indicate that a thorough search of the building had been made. On the caudle which was left behind a very good impression of the visitor’s finger prints was discernible.

No doubt the burglaries were the work of a “new chum” in the business, as an “old hand’’ would undoubtedly have made an attempt to open the safes. The police have the matter in hand.