Mid Sussex Times - Tuesday 21 August 1906

BURGLARIES AT HAYWARDS HEATH

SMART CAPTURE BY THE POLICE.

Before Mr. T. Bannister, at Haywards Heath Bench yesterday (Monday), George Winch (25), labourer, of no fixed abode, was charged with feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Edward Dronfield, gardener, Sandrocks Cottage, Rookery Lane, and stealing therefrom a gent’s silver watch, a gun-metal watch, a plated cruet, a case containing two butter knives, a case containing two jam spoons, a case containing knives and forks, a hand bag, scent bottle and purse, two pocket books, three towels, five table cloths, a clock, a jacket, a vest, two handkerchiefs, six keys, together value £7, at Haywards Heath, on August 18th, and also with feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of James Jeal and stealing therefrom £2 9s. 6d. In money, a lady’s silver watch, a gold-coloured neck chain, a piece of gent’s silver chain, a pair of gold earrings, a silver brooch, a bunch of seven or eight keys, a number of old silver and copper coins, together value £4 10s., at Haywards Heath, on August 6th.

P.C. McKees, stationed at Patcham, said that at 2:30p.m. on Sunday he was on duty on the London Road at Patcham, when he saw prisoner coming down the road. As he answered the description of a man wanted for housebreaking at Haywards Heath witness said to him “Here.” Prisoner started running away, but witness ran after him, caught him, took him to the Police Station, and searched him. In his possession witness found the articles produced (quite an elaborate display of valuables on the Clerk’s table). Witness charged prisoner, and he said “All right. It’s a clean cop.”

Sergeant Suter, Haywards Heath, said that was far as the police could take the case that day, and he asked for a remand so that further enquiries might be made. Some of the missing property had not yet been recovered.

Prisoner was remanded custody till Monday next.

It is understood that some of the booty consisted of wedding presents.