CONFIDENTIAL SUPPLEMENT A No. 6. FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1924. Vol. XI. HMttCj RIGHT FOREFINGER PRINT UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED 91 v 99 j oo 101 / OX CONFIDENTIAL Supplement A THE POLICE GAZETTE No 6. FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1924. Vol. XI. EXPERT AND TRAVELLING CRIMINALS. 97. Walter Kirby, aliases Walter Alston, Henry Alston, Captain Walter Kirby, Captain Alston and Lieut.- Col. Foster, C. R. O. No. 25- 1924. Description : B. ( Windsor) 1873, 6ft. 2| in., e. fresh, h. brown, e. grey, scar over 1. eye. Personal Weaknesses, Peculiarities, etc. : Well educated and of good address ; is said to be the son of an ex- sheriff of the City of London ; appears to have sought the company of and captivated women of means. Sentenced at C. C. C., 5- 9- 1922, to 20 mos. impt. for conspiracy. Liberated, 25- 1- 1924, into the M. P. D. Pre. con. of false pretences, receiving and robbery at EDINBURGH, EAST- BOURNE and JOHANNESBURG. Method— ( i) A letter was received by a firm of solicitors stating writer was a widow who had inherited an estate at Lyme Regis and asking if the firm would act for her in the matter. The following day Kirby went to the solicitors, stated that Mrs. Hopkins, writer of letter, was not well enough to call and had instructed him to explain matters on her behalf ; that he held a position in South Africa with the Premier Diamond Co., Ltd., was home on leave and living with Mrs. Hopkins, who had two children by him; further, that he wished to settle her affairs before returning to South Africa, and would like the firm to act for her professionally. On several subsequent occasions, in company with Ina Dorothy Hopkins, C. R. O. No. 16991- 1922 ( convicted with him), he called upon the solicitors, represented that Hopkins had decided to sell by private treaty a house and grounds at Lyme Regis, alleged to be worth £ 3000, and left to her under the will of her late aunt, introduced a man named James as a wealthy Colonial who expressed his intention of buying the property, and thereby obtained several advances amounting to £ 130 on the plea that they were financially embarrassed. Later it was discovered the house had already been sold and that other solicitors had been defrauded by a similar tale. Hopkins had an income of several hundred pounds a year, and during the time she co- habited with Kirby, they lived in good style, but often left unpaid their rent or tradesmen's debts. At one hotel where they stayed he gave a worthless cheque for a sum larger than amount required to settle the bill, receiving balance in cash. ( ii) Met victim at a club and robbed him of his watch and chain whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. ( iii) In 1912 he was charged, but discharged, with obtaining money on a promissory note by false pretences under the following circumstances. Called on a solicitor and instructed him regarding certain private matters. At a subsequent interview, stated his brother was sub- manager of the Premier Mines in South Africa, had deposited a quantity of precious stones with the Standard Bank of South Africa as security for an advance, and he ( Kirby) wanted to find sufficient capital to proceed to Lourenzo Marques to redeem the jewels, at the same time suggesting if the solicitor could find the necessary capital they should go to South Africa together and bring the stones to England. The solicitor was unable to comply with the request, but introduced a person who was willing to make the trip and to find £ 400 towards the sum required, Kirby promising to find another £ 400. Arrangements were made as to the date of sailing and Kirby stated that in addition to the money they were taking with them, £ 200 would be required to pay the expenses of the trip. With the object of raising this sum the solicitor, his client and Kirby, went to a money lender, who advanced the money upon a promissory note signed by all three, the money being handed to Kirby for the purpose of paying for the tickets. The same afternoon he saw the solicitor, falsely stated he had purchased the tickets, arranged to meet at the railway station in the morning, but failed to appear. ( iv) At Johannesburg, in 1907, was sentenced to 10 yrs. h. l. in connection with the holding up of a bank. Although taking no active part in the raid he was believed to have planned it and to have received part of the proceeds. Associate : Jacobus de Villiers, Case No. 116 ( Vol. X.), now in prison. The portrait is a good likeness. Specimen of handwriting at C. R. O. Subsequent history. ^ LI- I'UR- ikst. C.& i/ otjku J. //• 3/ T 98. Launcelot Hubert Symmonds, aliases Herbert Symmonds, Herbert Saunders, Launcelot Symmonds and George Arnold, C. R. O. No. 9- 1924. Description : B. ( South Shields) 1893, 5ft. 7£ in., c. fresh, h. dk. brown, e. blue ( pupils con- tract when excited), several scars rt. of neck, scar upper lip. Personal Weaknesses, Peculiarities, etc. : Athletic bearing ; an ex- soldier and gymnastic instructor. Sentenced at Derby ( Co.) Sess., 19- 10- 1921, to 3 yrs. pen. for larceny. Liberated on licence, 18- 1- 1924, into the M. P. D. Pre. con. of larceny and a minor offence on K and T. Method— ( i) With his wife obtained employment, chiefly by means of stolen testimonials belonging to hi^ brother, as manservant and cook respectively, and during the temporary absence of his employee absconded with jewellery valued at £ 700, leaving his wife behind. Took train to London, but broke his journey at Leicester, where he pawned a portion of the stolen property. ( ii) During the absence of his landlady, called in a dealer and sold furniture and household good^ to the value of £ 100, representing himself to be the owner of the property. ( iii) Whilst lodging with his mother- in- law, stole jewellery from a bedroom and absconded. ( iv) With confederates, broke the glass at the bottom of a shop window and stole boots. Disposed of the property to pawnbrokers and scrap jewellers. Associate : James Edward Robert Bell, C. R. O. No. S/ 68329 ( who has been convicted wit^ him). < I Subsequent history The portrait is a fairly good likeness. Specimen of handwriting at C. R. O. ^ it- f 99. Ernest William Burford, aliases Ernest William Martin, Ernest William Haze, John Alfred Owner, Fergus Gilroy and Ernest Martin, C. R. O. No. 1133- 1898. » Description : B. ( Maidstone) 1876, 5ft. 4£ in., c. fresh, h. brown, e. blue, scar between eye- brows. Sentenced at Chelmsford Sess., 14- 9- 1921, to 3 yrs. pen., for larceny. Liberated on licence, 15- 1- 1924, into the M. P. D. Pre. con. of larceny, fraud and minor offence at CANTERBURY, GUILDFORD, DOVER, BATTLE, INVERNESS, EDINBURGH, JEDBURGH, SEVENOAKS, CAMBRIDGE, DONCASTER ( Co.) and on J. Method— ( i) Obtained a bicycle from loser under the pretence that he had found a buyer for same, pledged it and absconded. ( ii) Entered a jeweller's shop, asked to be shown a gold albert with a view to purchasing same, and whilst examining it threw a quantity of pepper in the assistant's eyes and ran out of the shop, but was pursued and caught when entering a taxi- cab which he had waiting in an adjoining street. ( iii) Stole various articles from his lodgings ; bicycles left unattended ; and a pony, cart and set of harness as bailee. The portrait is a good likeness. Specimen of handwriting at C. R. O. C^ ifo , iC^ m iMty- r % / I^ JQ^ MAfA Ju-. Subsequent history 100. Gerald Alexander Harris, alias Gerald Raymond Harris, C. R. O. No. 7237- 1920. Description : B. ( Dundee) 1892, 5ft. lO^ in., c. fresh, h. brown, e. grey, piper, scroll, S. F. U. S. A. rt., mounted cowboy and MONTANA 1. forearm. Personal Weaknesses, Peculiarities, etc. : Speaks well ; of good appearance ; walks with a smart military gait ; a heavy drinker ; fond of the company of women ; frequents high- class hotels and restaurants. Is said to have resided in America or Mexico for some years prior to the war. Sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Ct., 13- 11- 1923 , to 3 mos. impt. for false pretences. Liberated, 29- 1- 1924, into the M. P. D. Pre. con. of larceny and embezzlement at WHITEHILL, BRIGHTON" and SOUTHAMPTON. Method— ( i) Stayed at a hotel for several days, incurred a heavy bill, especially for wine, etc., and suddenly left without paying. ( ii) Whilst employed as a clerk by an important motor spirit firm, collected money from motor drivers and absconded. ( iii) Arrived at a hotel in a motor car with Walter Edward Tavender, C. R. O. No. 6471- 1920 ( convicted with him), had tea together and when the barman went upstairs to get a cashbox which the licensee had left in a chest of drawers in her bedroom, he discovered the box was missing. The box;, containing about £ 50, was found by police hidden close to the car and, about 10 p. m., when the men were leaving, Ta vender picked up the box and placed it in the car by the side of Harris. The latter was then an Assistant Provost Marshal at Aldershot and had previously lodged at the hotel. ( iv) Obtained a situation with a well- known daily newspaper as canvassing supervisor for the Brighton District and absconded with monies entrusted to him to pay the wages of other canvassers. Subse- quently obtained an appointment as constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary, and at the time of his arrest held the position of Head Constable of the Special Constabulary at Belfast, although suspended pending the result of a serious disciplinary charge. The portrait is a good likeness. Specimen of handwriting at C. R. O. Subsequent history • Ml • » MM< 101. Robert Herniman, aliases Harold Heath, Robert John Herniman,—— Davenport and Stephfc^ Holland, C. R. O. No. 12589- 1918. Description : B. ( Bridgwater) 1899, 5ft. ll£ in., c. fresh, h. and e. brown, scar rt. eyebroxv dagger and snake rt., playing cards 1. forearm. Personal Weaknesses, Peculiarities, etc. : Walks quickly ; of smart appearance ; speaks quietly and well ; fond of the company of loose women. Sentenced at Cardiff Sess., 21- 10- 1922, to 18 mos. impt. for larceny. Liberated, 21- 1- 1924, to Cardiff. Pre. con. of larceny and minor offence at CARDIFF, BRIGHTON, ROCHESTER, SOUTHAMPTON and on D. A motor car and motor cycle thief. Has masqueraded as an officer in the Royal Air Force, as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy and been employed as a steward in the American mercantile marine. In 1920, he escaped from a Borstal Institution, having stolen a motor car belonging to the Governor of the institution. ( i) Stole a motor cycle from a yard. Called upon losers, in answer to advertisements in local news- papers respecting motor cycles for sale and asked permission to try the machines ; was allowed to do so and failed to return. When calling on one of the victims, was wearing the uniform of an officer in the mercantile marine, with three silver bands around each cuff of coat. Has been convicted of wearing military uniform without authority. ( ii) By means of a false key, gained access to rooms in a Y. M. C. A. hostel and stole money, etc., from drawers. The portrait is a good likeness. Specimen of handwriting at C. R. O. 102. Madelien Lloyd, aliases Lena Lloyd, Magdalene Lloyd, Mary Lloyd, Helen Vera MacLaren and Mrs. Thurston, C. R. O. No. 554- 1907. Description : B. ( Surrey) 1884, 5ft. 3£ in., ci fair, h. It. brown, e. hazel, mole front of neck. Personal Weaknesses, Peculiarities, etc. : Walks erectly ; very plausible ; pleasant manner ; dresses stylishly ; has a fair knowledge of painting and at one time had a weakness for stealing small oil paintings. Sentenced at Bournemouth P. Sess., 25- 9- 1923, to 6, 3 and 3 mos. impt. ( conc.), for larceny ( 3 cases). Liberated, 23- 2- 1924, to Bournemouth. Pre. con. of larceny at RYDE, TUNBRIDGK WELLS and on A and P. Eight other cases were taken into consideration when sentence was passed. Has also committed offences at Cambridge and Cowes. Method- Subsequent history An expert shoplifter, who also steals from furnished apartments, etc. When arrested in 1923, it was stated she was married to a highly respectable gentleman in comfortable circumstances. A large number of rings, brooches, necklets, bracelets, etc., were found in her possession, and she admitted stealing furs, jumpers, dresses, handbags, tennis rackets, silver goods, etc., from high- class shops. Method— ( i) Visited a first- class hotel, posed as a visitor attending a dance then in progress, left her hat and coat in the grounds, went to the ladies' cloak room, and during the temporary absence of the attendant, stole a ticket and counterfoil from a roll of tickets, removed the ticket from a fur coat, pinned the stolen ticket on the garment and subsequently obtained possession of the coat by presenting the counterfoil of the stolen ticket. ( ii) Followed a customer into a high- class boot shop and stole her handbag, which had been placed on a settee. ( iii) Entered the fitting room of a ladies' tailor, unlocked a cupboard, stole three dresses, re- locked the cupboard and left the premises. ( iv) Went into a milliner's shop ostensibly to make a purchase and during the absence of the shop- keeper entered the shop parlour and stole a purse. Located shops which at times were left unattended, entered the premises and stole articles from the window. Stole books from a high- class store, covering her movements with a music case which she was carrying. ( v) Walked into private residences and lodging houses ( door open), proceeded to the bedrooms and stole jewellery. ( vi) Represented herself to be a relative of titled people, obtained introductions to well- to- do persons and when visiting their houses stole jewellery. Disposed of property at pawnbrokers' shops, retaining wearing apparel for her own use. In the con. quoted most of the property was found in her possession or stored in large warehouses in London. Specimen of handwriting at C. R. O. ' Subsequent history The following persons who have already appeared in Supplement A have been re- convicted as follows - 103. William Hunt, Case No. 21 ( Vol. I.), was sentenced as Frederick Wilson, at Guildford Ass., 25- 2- 1924. • to 9 mos. impt., for false pretences ( 2 cases). Called on a tradesman, posed as a furniture dealer, stated he had left home without his cheque book and asked to be supplied with a blank cheque for which he paid twopence. Called on a gent's outfitter, purchased a coat, paid for it with a cheque made out for a sum larger than amount required and received the balance in cash, after requesting that the coat he forwarded to a certain address next day. 104. Horatio Llewellyn Griffiths, Case No. 181 ( Vol. I.), was sentenced as Harry Griffiths, at Manchester Ass., 19- 2- 1924, to 6 mos. impt. for bigamy. 105. John Smart, Case No. 326 ( Vol. I.), was sentenced as James Beattie, at C. C. C., 7- 2- 1924, to 3 yrs. pen. and 7 yrs. p. d. for false pretences ( 5 cases) and being a h. c. Was also indicted with five cases of forging and uttering. By various false pretences obtained goods from tradesmen by means of worthless and stolen cheques. Also obtained food and lodgings by stating he was a canteen manager just returned from Mesopotamia. Has used the following names— Captain Ker Seymour, Captain T. B. Ward and James Anderson. 106. Charles Claude Ward, Case No. 230 ( Vol. II.), was sentenced as Bertram Williams, at Westminster Pol. Ct. ( L.), 15- 2- 1924, to 6 and 6 mos. impt. ( cons.), for larceny ( 2 cases). Visited furnished houses to let and whilst being shown over the premises stole a brooch and silver clock, etc. Joseph Mark, C. R. O. No. 3306- 1924, was convicted with him. George Robinson, Case No. 60 ( Vol. III.), was sentenced at C. L. S., 19- 2- 1924, to 18 mos. 6" impt., for attempted housebreaking. Arthur Denbig, Case No. 201 ( Vol. V.), was convicted with him. 107. John Clayton, Case No. 364 ( Vol. IV.), was sentenced at C. C. C., 8- 1- 1924, to 18 mos. impt., for~" stealing cameras by trick. Answered advertisements in the Exchange and Mart and Amateur Photographer, received articles on approval and absconded from his address. Twenty- five other cases were taken into consideration when sentence was passed. Has used the names of John J. Saunders, James E. Elliott, W. E. Newman, George Bowers, Barrett, William A. Taylor, Russell and Foster, etc. 108. Arthur Denbig, Case No. 201 ( Vol. V.), was sentenced as Leslie Faulkner, at C. L. S., 19- 2- 1924, v to 18 mos. impt., for attempted housebreaking. George Robinson, Case No. 60 ( Vol. III.), was convicted with him. 109. Frederick Taylor, Case No. 385 ( Vol. V.), was sentenced at C. L. S., 19- 2- 1924, to 18 mos. impt., for^- larceny. Entered a dwelling house by street door ( left open), proceeded to bedroom on third floor and stole clothing, etc., from drawers. William Brown, Case No. 23 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced as William Burris, at Christchurch if P. Sess., 23- 1- 1924, to 6 mos. impt., for failing to report. 110. George Harry Withington, Case No. 204 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced at Robert George Wilton, at Manchester Sess., 11- 2- 1924, to 3 yrs. pen., for housebreaking ( 4 cases). With Vincent Willie, C. R. O. No. 15337- 1920 ( convicted with him), effected entry by forcing windows and by insecurely fastened scullery window. Eight other cases were taken into consideration when sentence was passed. Albert Andrews, Case No. 276 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced at Burnley Pol. Ct., 25- 2- 1924, ^ to 3 mos. impt., for loitering with intent to pick pockets. Liberated from previous sentence, 2- 12- 1923. 111. George Bratley, Case No. 343 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced at Nottingham Ass., 13- 2- 1924, to 21 mos.^ impt., for sacrilege. Broke church window and unlocked safe with a key which he had in his possession and stole cash. Two cases of schoolhousebreaking were taken into consideration when sentence was passed. Frederick Henry Kite, Case No. 356 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced at Hants Ass., 27- 2- 1924, to 12 mos. impt., for larceny. Absconded from his lodgings with a mackintosh during temporary absence of owner. y 113. George Richard Thompson, Case No. 438 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced at Halifax ( W. R.) Pol. Ct., 16- 2- 1924, to 14 days impt., for larceny ( person). ' 114. Una Coke, Case No. 506 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced as Edith Louisa Bassett, at C. C. C., 28- 2- 1924, to 3 yrs. pen., for maliciously wounding by throwing corrosive fluid. y 115. George Francis Wilson Nelson, Case No. 524 ( Vol. VI.), was sentenced as George Frederick Radcliffe, at Manchester Ass., 21- 2- 1924, to 9 mos. impt., for possessing moulds for making counterfeit coins. A case of coining and larceny from Derby ( Co.), were taken into consideration when sentence was passed. In the case of larceny, accompanied by his daughter, Gladys Neilson and a girl about 12 yrs. of age, took a furnished house at Baslow, purported to be practising as an osteopath and dentist visiting neighbouring towns and villages, and stole a quantity of bed linen, cutlery, etc., from the house, the property being pawned by the daughter. / 116. Charles Groom, Case No. 67 ( Vol. IX.), was sentenced at C. L. S., 22- 2- 1924, to 18 mos. impt., for receiving. Disposed of part of the property, respecting a case of housebreaking, to a jeweller. • 417. John Walker, Case No. 479 ( Vol. IX.), was sentenced as Daniel O'Connor, at Guildhall Pol. Ct. ( L.), 26- 2- 1924, to 3 mos. impt., for receiving 29 unmade dresses. Morris Cohen, C. R. O. No. 11328- 1922, was convicted with him. 118. Robert William Gunter, Case No. 320 ( Vol. X.), was sentenced as Robert Gunter, at Leeds ( City) P. Sess., 20- 2- 1924, to 1 mo. impt. ( second division), for false pretences. Registered at a leading hotel as Sir R. ( Richard) Cruise, ordered an expensive lunch for 10 leading medical men ; went to Leeds General Infirmary as Col. R. Campbell, C. M. G., D. S. O., M. D., Deputy Minister of Health, Ottawa, Canada ; claimed acquaintanceship writh one of the most prominent English surgeons as having met him when he ( Campbell) was officer in charge of the Canadian General Hospital in France. Was taken to lunch by a specialist and obtained £ 6 until his draft came through during the day. Also obtained money by similar means at Newcastle- upon- Tyne. Has a knowledge of venereal and prophylactic matters. Frequents good- class hotels and night clubs. J 119. Frank Howarth, Case No. 412 ( Vol. X.), was sentenced at Manchester Ass., 18- 2- 1924, to 15 mos. impt., for larceny. During the dinner hour sneaked into an office and stole a cash- box from a desk. LATEST INFORMATION. Frederick Hirst Stewart, Case No. 171 ( Vol. I.), was liberated, 23- 2- 1924, to Wakefield. William Alexander Harrington, Case No. 301 ( Vol. II.), was liberated on licence, 29- 2- 1924, to Rogerstone. William John Bainbridge, Case No. 303 ( Vol. III.), was liberated, 23- 2- 1924, to Kirkby Stephen.-' Henry Thompson, Case No. 396 ( Vol. III.), was liberated, 25- 2- 1924, into the M. P. D. William Harold Willmott, Case No. 124 ( Vol. IV.), was liberated, 25- 2- 1924, to Salisbury. Thomas Thomason, Case No. 344 ( Vol. IV.), was liberated, 28- 2- 1924, into the M. P. D.^ Intended address : 40, High Road, Leyton. Joseph Grant, Case No. 58 ( Vol. V.), was liberated, 23- 2- 1924, into the M. P. D., having been ^ sentenced at Old Street Pol. Ct. ( L.), 5- 1- 1924, to 2 mos. impt., for loitering. James Brown, Case No. 96 ( Vol. VI.), was removed to Surrey ( Co.) Asylum, Netherne, near Coulsdon, on expiration of sentence, 22- 2- 1924. Certified insane. John Donovan, Case No. 303 ( Vol. VI.), was liberated, 21- 2- 1924, in to the M. P. D. Intended ^ address: 29, Wilmer Gardens, Hoxton. Thomas Lewis, Case No. 433 ( Vol. VI.), was liberated, 27- 2- 1924, into the M. P. D. Joseph Clark, Case No. 277 ( Vol. VII.), was liberated on licence, 18- 1- 1924, into the M. P. D. ' James Livingstone, Case No. 1 ( Vol. VIII.), was liberated, 29- 2- 1924, to Hove. Frank William Bailey, Case No. 60 ( Vol. VIII.), was liberated, 23- 2- 1924, to Birmingham. Date of re- conviction should read 4- 1- 1924, not 14- 1- 1924, as shown in Case 56 ( Vol. XI.). George Kent, Case No. 251 ( Vol. VIII.), was liberated, 1- 3- 1924, into the M. P. D. Intended ^ address: 21, Warren Street, Euston Road. William Townsley, Case No. 449 ( Vol. IX.), was liberated on second licence, 28- 2- 1924, to Newcastle- upon- Tyne. Harry Haslam, Case No. 90 ( Vol. X.), was liberated, 6- 3- 1924, to Newcastle upon- Tyne. George Ernest Page, Case No. 378 ( Vol. X.), was liberated, 23- 2- 1924, from Shepton Mallet ^ Prison. Intended address : 177, Hammersmith Road, London. NOTE— In the event of information being received of the DEATH of any criminal whose particulars have appeared in POLICE GAZETTE SUPPLEMENT A, the fact should be notified to C. R. O. As the latest information or subsequent conviction of criminals, whose particulars have been inserted in Supplement A, will appear in each issue at the end of the cases, the original numbers should be cross- referenced on the printed lines provided for that purpose. SPECIAL NOTICE. When any person whose portrait and description have appeared in Supplement A is again arrested for any offence, and on account of being locally known the finger prints are not sent to C. R. O. for the purpose of search, it is requested that particulars of such conviction be sent to Criminal Record Office as soon as possible in order that they may appear in an early issue of Supplement A for the information of all forces. Printed and Publishel for His Majesty's Stationery Office by the Recener for the Metropolitan 1 olice District, New fcicotlaod Yard, London, S. W. I.