Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1920-04-19
MR., N0LL ADVISES
PEOPLE TO REPORT
THEFTS PROMPTLY
Automobile Thieves Busy But
Cars Are Recovered.

Allen h. Noll. prosecuting attorn.
ey, today issues n warning to the
people regarding their automobiles.
Mr. Noll requests that in CASE Of
theft or suspicious that either he or
the police department be notih&l
without delay so they can lmmedR
ntely begin work and II possible apr
prehend the guilty parties before
thoy have gone very far. Mr.. Noll
stated that In the case of the burg
laries of the Garment Shop and A.
Snyder's store strange noises We're
heard about the premises. but the
police department was not called.
II the information had been impart-
ed once 1t is believed the burg
lars would have been quickly
caught. MIR Noll also suggests that
when cars arc left standing on the
streets at might that they be locked4
MS this will prevent thieves from
working or at least getting away.
with n car quickly.
Barly Saturday night thieves
stole the automobile owned BY the j.
N. Thatcher Orchard Company,
and driven by Harlan Thatcher.
while 1t was standing in front of tho
Old National Bank. Mr.. Thatcher
came to the city, and after visiting
some grocery stores placed mis- psir-
chases In. tho rear OF the car as he
was not ready to return home.
Later when he prepared to start for
home he was surprised 10 find his
car gone.
The matter was reported at onca,
to tho police, and an all-night search
proved futile. Sunday mornine.
Water superintendent George H
Shafer discovered the oar On Ali-
burndale, while on his way to the
water station. He notified Mr..
Thatcher who came to the city. and
after purchasing two new tires. .
front and rear. three having beaM
stolen, took the car homo. None Of
the purchases had been molested,
1t is believed the thieves were
after tires, and MS Mr.. Thatcher had
just fitted out his machine it is cas-
lily Understood why 1t was selected
from the large number at the hotel.
The rims OF the tires were found
by George Frey Sunday morning
near where the car was located.
The authorities believe the thieves
were frightened away as nunhor
of cars Were seen in that section
about nine O'Clock Saturday nlght,
and it is thought that while tAp
thieves were at work these cars ap-
peared and they fed.
Mr. Noll stated today that 'lr.
Thatcher did not notify him OF tie
theft of his car until about 10 o'co *
Sunday morning, Upon receiving
the information he immadi lately
wired a dozen surrounding towns
and cities, and asked the police on.
thorities to be on the lookout.
Visited Ovens.
Sunday ii was reported To the au-
thoritics that late Friday night
three or four men attempted Ia
steal Ford automobile from II. Il.
ovens place on South COLLEGE
street II appears that the car ~
fused TO work, and boy sleeping
in the stable was aroused. He ruah-
ed out. and the would-be thieves
fed.
Mrs. G. d. Burns re ted Satur.
day night that man I'D woman In
a Ford automobile went west on
John street. When the car ap-
preached a ditch where there were
two lanterns the woman took both,
one OF which she threw aside hut
carried away the other one. George
Wolfe, who Is employed as watch
man during the laying Of the sewer
pipes. reported the matter to MIR.
Noll and was advised to purchase
another lantern, which he did and
resumed his duties.