ENGLISH THIEVES IN PARIS

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2991, 26 October 1882, Page 3

ENGLISH THIEVES IN PARIS

Two Englishmen, by name Watson and Fulton, have just been condemned hy the Correctional Tribunal of Paris for a daring diamond robbery committed on Janunry 4th last. A man called at a jeweller’s in the Eue des Capucines, and asked to see some diamonds. After different delays to throw them off their guard, and giving his name as Colonel Gaston, it was arranged that Messrs Chuvet, jewellers, should have a large supply in readiness for a certain day, from which he would choose those diamonds he wanted. On the appointed day he made his appearance, 1 } and the diamonds, many of them borrowed from other jewelers, were laid out before him. There were five persons preseint, all on the watch. The'“Colonel” had a Eussian leather bag with him, which- he placed/on the table, in which he placed his purchases.

While he was engaged in roaking-his selection, several persons came into the shop, to inquire about different articles in the window. At length the “Colonel declared be had chosen all he wanted, and prepared to draw a cheque foe 246,000 fr, the amount of the purchases. This being demurred to, he said he would go and get it cashed, and entrust* ing the bag to the jewellers, he went awav. A boy was serit to follow him, but spon lost sight of him, and he never returned. The hag was opened, and found to ; contain some pieces of zinc wrapped in tissue paper. According to Fulton, the- robbery was performed by four persons. The bag containing the diamonds was' carried ■ off by a female accomplice, who left an exact y similar one in its place. Watson, who was recognised as the.“ Colonel, and Fulton were arrested at Brussels, at the suggestion of the Paris police, along with some other diamond thieves, and handed over to French justice. Watson was condemned to five years imprisonment, and Fulton to four.