MIDNIGHT RAIDERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1922, Page 4

MIDNIGHT RAIDERS.

VISIT TO MOTOR GARAGES THE THEFT OF A CAB. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The discovery on the main road at Ngaio this morning of three motor ears belonging to residents indicated that there had been unusual happenings during the night, and subsequent investigations brought to light a remarkable story of the daring of some thieves who had visited Ngaio undei cover of darkness. Their operations w-ce mainly confined to motor garages, several of which were broken into, but entry was also forced into other premises, and the whole venture was carried out without disturbing the residents. After being unable to manipulate three of the cars the thieves finally found one to suit their purpose, and with it they made away. This car was the property of Mr. W. Nichols, and was, as far as can be ascertained, practically the full extent of their haul, the only other articles reported missing being a case pi benzine and two pairs of boots. It appears the thieves first visited Mr. B. J. L. Lynnsberg’s motor garage on the main road and removed his car. An effort to get it on to the road was hampered by a turnstile, and the car was abandoned. At Mr. James Maher ? residence entrance was gained by breaking two windows, but nothing was re moved from the Luuse. Another garage nearby containing ft car belonging to Mr. Charles Gardine* was then tried. The car was removed but as it was locked it was left witk the lights burning. A case of benzint was, however, taken by the thieves. Quite handy they found another garage and from it they secured a car belonging to Mr. S. Goddard. The lock on this vehicle again upset their calculations. A boot shop occupied by Mr. Rabbitt was evidently the next place of call, and the window was broken, two pairs of boots being taken. Mr. Nichol’s garage was next visited, and here a Ford car was found. With this the thieves made off, and so far there is no trace of the car or its occupants. At about two o’clock this morfiing a resident of Colway Street was awakened by barking dogs, and soon afterwards heard a car pass down the street. Beyond that nothing has apparently been Feen or heard of the midnight raiders.