Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-05-16
DARING BURGLARY.
The Headquarters of the Chief of
Police Entered Last Night-The
Safe PIundeFed-The once RAN
saeked-rhe Loot" Captured by
tho Burglars.


sacked-rhe "LOOt" Captured by
tho burglars.
In the annals of successful burglaries
committed in this city no parallel can
be found in point of daring and adroit-
ness for that committed at the Office or
headquarters Of the Chief of Police last
night. Chief Athy left his Office late
last evening, and in his return this
morning discovered the private drawers
OF his Office desks open, and everything
therein turned upside down. He Looked
Immediately at the safe; it appeared all
right One turn Of the handle convinced
him that, although the safe was locked,
it had been plundered. On the safe be-
ling opened the truth became apparent.
Nothing was left therein, except lot Of
valueless papers, a Tranter pistol fhe
property Of the chief and package of
counterfeit money, which the burglars
scorned to abstract and appropriate.
On an inventory being taken, by refer
ence to the books, the following articles
were found missing
THE LOO" CAPTURED.
One fine double-case gold watch
(Chas. Frodsham, maker, stem winder,
No. ,O4O44, valued at $3.50; one pair Of
gold sleeve buttons, valued at $40; one
long gold chain, twisted, valued at $75,
and three twenty-dollar gold pieces.
The above was the property of Colonel
H. s. McComb, President of the New
Orleans and Jackson railroad, and stolen
from him at Grenada, Miss, some weeks
since by George Heastings, who was ar
rested few days after the robbery by
Chief Athy, andwho is now reposing in
the county Jail to answer the charge of
robbery.
One fine double-case gold watch (Robt.
Monnuat, maker), "Locle," stem winder,
No. SOl6, valued at 1925. This watch
was found in the possession of Heast-
ings when arrested for the McComb
robbery.
One ladys gold watch, double-case,
No. $685., valued at 800. This was also
found on Heastings, and was stolen by
him from Mr.. ]. W. Hays, of Trenton,
Tenn, some months ago.
One diamond ring, eight sets, valued
at $751; three small gold charms, valued
at sic; one short gold chain, valued at
$50; one ladys gold breastpin, property
Of Mr.. Hays, Of Trenton, valued at $50.
A pair of burglars "nippers," fine
articles and of immense value to an ar
tistic burglar This was also found on
Hastings when arrested. oW
Eighty-fve or ninety dollars in green
backs.
From the office.desk drawers were
taken about four dozen photographs of
professional thieves, the duplicates of
which adorn the rogues gallery at the
chief office.
HOW 1T WAS DONE.
When the office property was turned
over to Chief Athy he received but one
key to the Hall patent safe, the other
key having been lost or mislaid. The
burglars had made all the necessary ar
rangements-had either the missing key
or duplicate of the same-had also a
key to open the Office door; in fact were
so fixed that they could enter at pleas
lre, and with as much freedom as the
chief himself. When they had secured
everything they locked the safe, pocketed
The key, went out, locked the door of the
office and went on their way rejoicing
leaving no trace behind. To-day the
chief and his best detectives are at work
looking the matter up. They of course
will give no information as to their sus.
picions, but intimate that the robbers
cannot get away. 1t is to be hoped that
he perpetrators of this daring burglary
will be brought to justice, and be sent
% the penitentiary for life, on account
IF their display ofgenius and impudence
n thus boarding the lion in his den.