The morning call., 1894-02-28
CATCHING CROOKS.
Work of the Police at the
Big Fire.
Well-Known Pickpockets Charged
With Grand Larceny-A Man With
a Great Criminal Record.

The immense crowds at the fire In the
Golden kule Bazaar On Monday night
afforded splendid chance for the large
number of nimble-fDgered gentry now in
The city to get in their work. Ten or a
dozen reports Of missing scarfpins and
pocket-books have been made to the po-
lice. The detectives were not idle and
arrested several well-known thieves, but
only three could be held. They are
Thomas Dillon, Dominick Furi and Frank
Pickett.
Dillon aud Furi were working the
crowd together. They stole scarfpin
from Herman Dietz, % Turk street, and
when arrested the pin was found In Dill
Ions scarf. They were charged with
grand larceny.
Pickett is CHARGED with attempt at grand
larceny. lie tried twice TO snatch the
diamond scarfpin worn by Adolph StOll of
1124h Folsom street. but patent fastener
at the back prevented him from pulling it
out. Captain Haskell of the tug Fearless
was standing near Mr.. Soil and he saw
Pickett make the two attempts TO get pos
session of the ScaTfpin. The captain had
few minutes before realized that his own
scarfpin, valued at $500, was missing, and
believing that Pickett was the thief he
grabbed him and held him till an officer
appeared. When searched two scarfpns
were found in his pocket. One is a beauty.
Pickett had il concealed in his handker-
chief. The police want An owner for IL,
as they are satisfied it was stolen from
some one in the crowd.
Pickett bears the reputation in police
circles of being one of the cleverest pick
pockets in the country. He was arrested
with the gang at the opening of the Mid
winter Fair and was out on bail. lie went
to the Worlds Fair, and when he returned
lie boosted that he had made about $4,000
by picking pockets.
The polite growl because they are never
able 10 hold him while the charges against
him are pending. He has plenty of money
and can utilize it TO keep himself free.
They thought they wonld have him this
| time, but Yesterday morning Judge Camp
| bell accepted his bond for $1,000. and he is
| again at liberty.
Another criminal taken charge Of by the
police while moving through the crowd
| was Adam Stroh. In his pockets were
found pocket-book, 500 in cash and some
scarfpins. Siroh has a criminal record as
thief, burglar, safecracker, pickpucket
and bad man generally unequaled on the
coast. About year ago lie and pal
named Kelly had made all arrangements to
crack the sale in one OF the banks.
They sent a messenger boy TO their room
on Sacramento and kearny streets with
| an order 10 get q package. 1t was a
rainy night, and while the messenger
was returning with the package to meet
them on Suffer and Montgomery streets The
! paper covering of the package got wet
and parted, disclosing a nice collection Of
drills, bits and other burglars tools. The
| boy had sense enough 10 run to the office
and show the contents 10 the manager,
/ who Ielephoned 10 police headquarters.
-Four officers hurried to The messenger
Office and the boy was instructed to deliver
the package. Stroh and Kelly were wait
ing impatentlv for him and his long alb
sence made them suspicious. When they
saw him coming they also scented danger
and boted. The officers gave chase and
captured them. They each got six months
for having burglars tools In their posses
sion. Stroh made his escape from the
House of Correction. bnt was subsequently
captured in Marysville. Since mis- release
he has been lying low.