On This Day, 7 September 1917

Birmingham Mail

Friday 7 September 1917

SHOPBREAKING CHARGE

A BIRMINGHAM POLICEMAN’S FIND

Tom Lascelles (22), carter, 17, Ryland Place, Ryland Street; George Evans (24), carter, Bradford Street; and David William Taylor (37), blacksmith, of no fixed abode, were before the Birmingham Deputy Stipendiary (Mr. Bertram Grimley) today charged with being concerned together and breaking and entering the shop of Charles Wood, jeweller, 565, Coventry Road, and stealing and receiving a quantity of jewellery.

Mrs. Mabel Wood, whose husband is serving in the Army, said about 4.15 on the morning of September 1 she was aroused by Police-sergt. Wagstaff, and on going downstairs she found the iron gate had been removed from the window and placed against the adjoining window, and the plate glass pane in the window smashed. She had locked up the shop securely at 9.15 the previous evening. She missed eleven gold rings, five gold wristlet witches, six gold lockets, twelve gold pins, three gold necklets, fifteen gold brooches, eight gold photo pendants, seven gold bracelets, and two silver bangles of the value of about £75.

Sergt. Wagstaff said he picked up several articles of jewellery from the pavement outside the shop. He also picked up a stone wrapped up in a pocket handkerchief with which the window had apparently been broken.

Three young women spoke to prisoners making them presents of jewellery. One of the stated that she heard Taylor say they were going to do another at Small Heath near the park that night.

Detective-sergt. Lawson said he found seven gold scarf rings, a base florin, and a flash lamp, and two refills upon Lascelles and two gold rings, two bracelets and a flash lamp upon Evans. He also received from the young women the articles of jewellery the accused had given them.

Accused were committed for trial at the sessions.