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Summary: Robberies In The South. (Auckland Star, 2 November 1888)
On 2 November 1888, Thomas Gleeson, also known as Thorea Thomson, an 18-year-old from Auckland, was arrested in Invercargill on suspicion of burglary. He was charged with breaking into a shop on Princess Street in Dunedin around 21 October and stealing various items, including jewellery and clothing. During his detention, Sergeant-Major Ramsay requested a remand to Dunedin, which was granted.
Gleeson's suspected criminal activities extended beyond Dunedin, with allegations of multiple robberies in Wellington and Christchurch. His crimes had gone largely unnoticed until his arrival in Invercargill, where authorities were alerted to his movements. A telegram initiated an investigation into Gleeson’s whereabouts, leading officers to discover that he had just arrived by train carrying several pieces of luggage and checked into the Railway Hotel.
On the afternoon of his arrest, Sergeant-Major Ramsay found Gleeson in his hotel room, which had been locked. After some delay, officers gained entry and discovered an iron trunk filled with stolen goods. Although Gleeson initially denied owning any luggage besides the trunk, he later admitted to possessing a concealed leather portmanteau found under the bed.
Subsequent investigation revealed that Gleeson had been in possession of stolen items valued at approximately £40, including clothing, jewellery, pocket cutlery, tobacco, firearms, and other valuables. Items from Dunedin and Christchurch were identified by Constable Madden, who had come down by express train specifically for this case. Some stolen goods were even found at an auction house linked to Gleeson.
As Gleeson was transported back to Dunedin under escort, reports indicated that a crowd awaited his arrival at the railway station. Descriptions of Gleeson depicted him as a young man with a smooth face. His eclectic collection of stolen items included not only typical valuables but also unusual items such as a false beard, moustache, eyeglasses, and a dramatic silk dress, suggesting he may have been disguising himself as a woman.
In total, authorities uncovered a significant number of stolen items, including fourteen watches, firearms, and fine jewellery, further implicating Gleeson in a series of burglaries spanning several locations. Only a small sum of £5 in cash was found on him, indicating that his expenses were likely covered by the stolen goods. This case highlighted the criminal activities taking place in New Zealand at the time and marked Gleeson's significant arrest as law enforcement sought to bring him to justice for his alleged crimes.
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