King Of Burglars (Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1912)

Published on 21 December 1912, the news story details the criminal exploits of James Townsley, a young man known as "The King of Burglars" in South Australia. At 27 years old, Townsley had accumulated a remarkable criminal record, leading to a recent five-year sentence for escaping prison in Adelaide, totaling 17 years of imprisonment.

Townsley was initially a promising student, leaving a prominent Adelaide college at 16, ready to embark on a business career. He secured a position as a junior salesman in a leading soft-goods warehouse, where he quickly made a name for himself. However, a passion for horse racing and mounting gambling debts prompted him to resort to crime.

His first burglary was executed with remarkable skill: Townsley targeted the safe in the warehouse during a Saturday night when cash was left unattended, ultimately making off with nearly £100. Following this crime, an investigation ensued, but insufficient evidence allowed him to continue working at the warehouse for some time, despite being suspected.

As crime rates surged in Adelaide, the police struggled to track down the perpetrator behind numerous thefts. It emerged that Townsley had been living undetected in the city, disguised in female attire while working as a servant for a businessman. During this time, he continued his burglary spree, reportedly breaking into around 200 locations under the guise of a servant, only to revert to his male clothing at night to commit thefts.

His criminal activities caught up with him when he was apprehended after attempting to escape from an Edmonton mansion, where he had stolen nearly £1000 worth of diamonds. Despite a struggle, he was taken into custody and sentenced to 12 years in Yatala prison for his crimes.

After a stint in prison and later escaping to Melbourne, Townsley adopted yet another disguise, taking on the role of a waitress named "Miss Evelyn Hartwood" in a restaurant. He succeeded in maintaining his disguise among colleagues and customers while secretly continuing his burglaries at night.

Townley's downfall came when he was recognized by Detective Mitchell from Adelaide during a casual encounter on the streets of Melbourne. Despite attempting to flee upon recognition, the detective's information led to his arrest.

The story encapsulates the duality of Townsley’s life— from an aspiring businessman to one of Australia's most notorious criminals— showcasing the lengths to which he went to conceal his identity while evading law enforcement. His case highlights not just his criminal ingenuity but also the challenges faced by police in tracking down skilled offenders.

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