DAPPER THIEVES.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 410, 17 April 1937, Page 5

DAPPER THIEVES.

MASK OF INNOCENCE A Coronation Warning. Visitor s to English railway stations, particularly during the Coronation celebrations in Britain, are being warned by the police to take care of their luggage. “The most successful type of luggage thief ie not a man in a check cap who grabs a bag and runs,” says the police. "He is educated, charming, and, when challenged, profusely apologetic. He works almost regular ‘office’ hours and makes an annual four-flgure. income. “This polkhed luggage thief has several methods. He is quick, calm, with nerves of steel. He relies on a sound knowledge of psychology and human nature. If you find that your suitcase * is* missing, that one like it is standing on the platform, and that someone is walking off with yours, do no be put off by the profuse ‘apologies of the taker. Insist that the cate left behind be opened. It i s a thousand to one that it will be found to contain vegetables or scrap iron. The Innocent Porter. “Ano* her method of platform thieves.” it was stated, “is to pick up a case deposited on the platform -and hand it to a porter. telling fiim to place it in a taxi cab. The innocent

porter helps him to the case. Inside the cab, the thief will examine the contents, so that he can have a rough idea of the value before he takes it to a pawnbroker to pledge. “Atlantic travellers 1 arriving at Southampton are advised to keep their eyes on strangers in the Customs sheds. Many <a case- is picked up there.”