The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-11-07
CAUGHT WITH THE PLUMBER
A Sporty Young Man Accused Of Two
Burglaries
S. G. Neal Likes Fine Clothes and Per
fumes, So Took Means to Crafty
His Desires

Wearing O natty suit of clothes,
jaunty little bicycle cap and in general
presenting the appearance of dashing
young sport, S. G. Neal, whom the de-
tectives denominate as smooth guy"
was last night shortly after landed in
the city Jail with at least two charges
of burglary to answer for.
Neal has been in the city since last
February and evidently has refined and
expensive tastes to crafty if the stolen
articles found in his possession are an
Indication of his preferences. Full dress
suits of the finest broadcloth, black di-
agonal cutaways and cheviot business
suits, all custom made he had on hand
and the assortment of colognes, costly
perfumes and essences found in his room
would make society belle sick with
envy.
On the night of October 18th last there
was stolen from room IA of the Lam
franco block about $500 worth of per-
fumes, mostly of the finest description,
in cut glass bottles. The stock had just
been moved in from 211 Commercial
street and had not been arranged on the
shelves. Entrance was effected through
window opening into hallway and the
thief stole all he could carrya away. No
clew was ever discovered to the perpe-
traitor of the robbery.
Agan, on October 20, during the night,
the store of the Buffalo Wooden company
at 24S S. Broadway was entered at the
front door by some one using a false key.
From the place a fine full dress broad
cloth coat, a black coat and vest and a
full business suit of gray cheviot were
taken. The swallow tail was not en-
tirely completed and still had the bast-
ing threads in it. The other clothes were
ready to wear. All these goods were re-
covered last night and Neal is the ac-
cused thief
He came to this city with medium for
whom he acted as a sort of advance
agent, but the latter after stay of sew
everal months left town and forgot to
take Neal along. Neal was learning tel
egraphy and meanwhile was stopping
at a fashionable boarding house on
South Hill street, where he had cheap
top-story room. He sported good clothes
but failed to pay his bills, which aroused
suspicion. The attention of the officers
was called to him and his actions We're
watched.
Special John Shields was detailed on
the case and assisted by Detectives All
BILE and Hawley brought Neal to book.
Last evening a descent on his room was
made while he was out and search in
stituted. In a closet We're found the
suits of clothes. brand new and unworn
telescope grip full of large bottles of
perfumery. which had been opened. and
box packed full of the finest goods
ready for shipment east. When Neal
came in he was disagreeably surprised
and was at once marched off to the sta
ton
He was searched and the evidences of
his profession found in his pockets.
There were skeleton keys and number
of lock picks made from button hooks,
nippers etc. A key which fits the front
door of the clothing company's store was
also discovered. The prisoner maintain
a stolid demeanor and refused to say
anything. After refusing to answer
questions he was locked up for the night
The officers profess to believe that he is
an eastern crook and that several more
jobs can be traced to him. At any rate
they have two distinct and clear cases.
both of which will be pressed and Neal
will be sent over the road for a term of
years if possible.