LONDON BURGLARY

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 445, 29 May 1937, Page 6

LONDON BURGLARY

HOTEL ROOM ENTERED Former Auckland Resident Press Association—Copyright. London, May 12. HI luck attended Miss Blanche Davis in the loss of many valuable personal possessions just prior to the Coronation. For several years past, Mrs Moss Davis and Miss Blanche Davis, mother and sister of the Mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, have been living at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, having a suite on the second floor overlooking Hyde Park. In preparation for the Coronation, the hotel management erected a stand along the Park side of the building in front of the windows up to the third floor. On account pt this obstruction, arrangements were made for Mrs and Miss Davis to have another suite. While the move was in progress, a burglar gained access to Miss Davis’ bedroom, using the stand-scaffolding as a ladder.

It is believed that the thief, waiting until it was dark, and Park Lane deserted, jumped on to a wall and then on to a balcony of the hotel. From there he made his way to the back of the scaffolding. Unseen in an angle of the wall, he climbed up the face of the hotel and into the bedroom. As soon as the loss wa discovered the

management and the house detective were told.

Some much-valued jewellery was stolen, also a valuable fur cape, silver dressing-table equipment and much clothing, These personal possessions were awaiting removal at the time. Whether the thief had secret information or just extraordinary luck is not known.