“PERMIT ME!”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 177, 17 October 1927, Page 11

“PERMIT ME!”

WILES OF LONDON LUGGAGE THIEF Extensive luggage robberies from London railway stations during the last nine months were described at the Westminster Police Court, when Rupert Raby Woods, 35. of Elm Street. Brixton, pleaded guilt y to several charges of theft. It was said that the property stolen was valued at hundreds of pounds, and practically nothing had boon recovered. Several women gave evidence stating that Wood, who is described as a former lieutenant in the 23rd City of London Regiment, politely accosted them when carrying suit cases in the vicinity of railway stations, offering his assistance with some such remark as “Please do allow me to relieve you of such a burden,” or “I will hold your case while you get your ticket.” His urbanity was such that in many cases the luggage was transferred to him. with the result that after going as far as the booking office he made off with the pronerty while his victims were taking their tickets. Detective-Sergeant Widdocks said though Wood had been at this business since November. 1926. he was not caught until he was arrested at Victoria after three robberies from women of their suitcases this month. The court was asked to take into account 28 other robberies (all hand suitcases). 15 of which were from Victoria Station and the remainder from Waterloo. Charing Cross. Paddington. Euston, King’s Cross and Liverpool Street. In one case Wood got over £2OO worth of jewellery. Mr. Boyd said Wood was a persistent thief, and sentenced him to eight months' hard labour.