Los Angeles herald., 1905-10-02
POLICE UNEARTH
GANG OF THIEVES
TWENTY-0NE PROFESSIONALS
IN THE CITY
Local Department Has That Number
of Eastern Crooks of National
Reputation Under Con-
slant Surveillance

Twenty-one "yeggs" and cracksmen,
positively identified by descriptions and
photographs in the rogues' gallery, are
IN Los Angeles and everyone is known
and closely watched by the police
Though unconscious of it, the knights
Of the Jimmie" and drill were shad-
owed all yesterday. Not a move was
made by them but that some officers
eye was on them.
The police have been startled at the
large number of these clever criminals
who have gathered within short time
IN tne city. From every part of the
country these thugs and safe blowers
nave been coming to Los Angeles in
small numbers. The cleverest of the
eastern exodus seem to be making this
city their headquarters.
Since the job at the Mathie Brewing
company's plant, the police have been
on the alert and after many secret con-
ferences between the heads of the de-
partments and their best sleuths it
has been decided that not the slightest
effort shall be spared to rid the city of
the human pest.
An officer famous in local police cir
cles for his work in detecting criminals
and yesterday:
Yes there are a great number of GRIM
inals gathered in Los Angeles. Today
saw twelve new arrivals in the 'yegg
colony have my eye on them and
don't think that another job like that
at the Mathie Brewing company will
occur right away.
II do not care to say what means is
being used by the department to cope
with the 'yeggs' and cracksmen who
seem to be gathering here, but I need
not say more than that we are laying
tn ntn1o ND off 40.
of the clever ones think they are onto
our game, they may find they are mis-
taken.
Police Are Alert
$50 thoroughly are we organized
against these crooks that I think we
will land a large number soon on old
jobs for which they have been wanted
for sometime. Within a few days the
Los Angeles department may be able to
bring out some startling developments
in this regard"
When questioned along this line
higher officials of the department
merely smiled and remarked that they
have nothing to say yet. They ac-
knowledge that they are working on
this line, but what they are doing is
kept secret. Their plans for a large
haul Of "yeggs" seems to be developing
rapidly, according to reliable advices.
Some Of the petty burglaries bear the
earmarks of having been done by clever
criminals more used to pulling off
larger jobs. Though nothing has been
given out by the department regarding
these burglaries, it is learned that the
police have a clew to the men impli-
Gated.
One bit of evidence that the police
expect will lead to the capture of
gang Of the most clever burglars and
'yeggs" is an insignificant cigar stump.
Three Of these stumps have been found
in houses after burglaries and in every
instance 1t was the same brand of to-
bacco and bore the same teeth marks.
The latest addition to the burglaries
is that of the Wedge saloon, owned by
c. Pieri at 722 North Main street. This
place was entered about o'clock yes
terday morning. No money was found,
but 800 cigars and two revolvers were
taken. Entrance was effected by break
ing down the rear door.