MOTOR CAR STOLEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 September 1942, Page 2

MOTOR CAR STOLEN

FROM OUTSIDE iVIASTERTON RESIDENCE. LATER FOUND NEAR WAINGAWA BRIDGE. A taxi owned by Mr J. R. Charteris was stolen last night from outside his residence in Chapel Street, Masterton. Mr Charteris had left the car for about fifteen minutes to enter his house, and on returning outside found that it had disappeared. He communicated with the police, and Detective-Sergeant Kane and Constable E. B. McCallum, with Mr Charteris, set'out in search of the car, going as far as Tauherenikau without finding it. On the return journey to Masterton they discovered it abandoned on the side of the road near the Waingawa bridge. A peculiar thing in connection with the theft was that when the car was stolen the benzine tank was about half full. The thieves had wrenched off the cap of the tank, and had filled the tank with benzine, intending apparently to go on a long journey. The approach of another motor car caused the thieves to disappear. It is stated that two men were seen near the car by the motor car driver. Mr Charteris has expressed his appreciation of the smart work of the police in connection with the search for the car. Another car, belonging to a soldier, was reported missing from Villa Street on Saturday night. It was recovered in Masterton yesterday morning. KEYS LEFT IN CARS. Commenting on the appropriation of motor vehicles, Detective-Sergeant W. Kane stated this morning that greater precautions should be taken by carowners against the unlawful removal of their vehicles. It was a common occurrence, he said, for the keys to be left in the cars. At least, owners should make sure that this was not done.