Failed robbery leads to luxurious party

The City Auction rooms of Messrs Johnson, Dymond and Son in Gracechurch Street, London, experienced a rather unusual burglary recently. Having entered through a hole in the wall of the adjoining building a gang of five or six had a cosy night in while attempting to rob the premises.

They attempted to break in to the strong room in the office by drilling six holes in the door but were baffled by the steel plate protecting the lock. Their failure to break in to the strong room meant they only made off with a few trivial items. Despite their failed robbery attempt, however, they remained in the premises and had a party, judging by the items they left behind.

Found in the room was a jugful of cigar ends, half a dozen empty port bottles, two or three empty whiskey bottles and a jug from which they drank beer for which they had clearly sent out for. There was also evidence that they had worked in cozy slippers, had a fine beautifully padded sleeping coat and carried a clothes brush and boot paste.

The group was disturbed the next morning by a tenant of the building and they left through the front door, but not before removing all traces of fingerprints from the scene.

The owners of the auction house are now in the process of moving to a new office.