Dragnet - Big Tie

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1:27Toyota, let's go places. Dragon-it. Ladies and gentlemen, the story you're about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. The name has been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a burglary detail. You've got to call that someone has broken into an X-tie manufacturer's. A large supply of hand-painted ties have been stolen. Your job? Check it out. Was Saturday, September 10th. Was hot and was saying, what's we were working today watch out of burglary detail. My partner's Frank Smith, the boss is Captain Benign. My name's Frank. As I'm on the way into the office, it was 8.31 a.m. when they had to room 45. Burglary. Hi, John. What's up? What's up? I'm having a meeting for us.

2:27I have to troll car. I picked up a couple of high school kids about 3 a.m. Oh. I found them hanging around a filling station over on Jefferson. Oh. The children was checking them against those other filling station jobs last week. That's about us known. Okay. All right, it's going to be a scorcher. Yeah. You noticed it last night? Hmm? The heat. Oh yeah, sure I do. I don't think I slept more than 30 minutes. What about air conditioning in the house? What? It's pretty expensive, isn't it? Well, I guess it depends, doesn't it? Yeah. We worked it, though, weather like this. Well, we don't get these spells too often. I don't know, Joe. Lots of the new houses have air conditioning. Yeah. Just a bedroom might not cost too much. You know, one of those portable units. I got it. Burglary, Friday. Yes, sir. Just a second. By what you have, yes? All right. Mm-hmm. Yes, or I see. Right away. Bye. Time manufacturing company out on Weston.

3:28Somebody cleaned them out last night over a hundred dozen neckties. Yeah. Order says he knows who did it. Frank and I do a lot to a small manufacturing shop on Southwestern Avenue. 903 AM. We interviewed the owner, George Prosper. He told us the back door had been forced open during the night, and a large supply of hand-painted neckties had been stolen. You see right here? The locks broken. Yes, sir. That's how he got in no mistake about it. Uh-huh. You taking anything else beside the ties? A little cash, $80, $90. But the ties are the important thing. Oh. Yeah, they're worth at least $5 a piece retail, all hand-painted, you know. Yes, sir. Some are more with more special designs. Why is that? Well, they're made up for the individual, one of a kind. Oh, it's... Of course, most of the ties he stole were in specials. They were from a wholesale stock. Christmas orders. Allabeta doesn't feel very much like Christmas today, but we have to get our orders filled before the end of October. I certainly hope you'll be able to get the ties back for us in time. Yes, sir. You said you had an idea who the thief might be. Yeah, that's right. A Morgan Gilroy. Oh, see? Young fellow used to work for me.

4:28I let him go first last week. Uh, just wasn't dependable. Always late in the morning. Careless worker, too. You know, why do you blame him for the burglary? Well, he was very upset when I fired him. Said his wife was having a baby, said I didn't have any right to let him go without notice, I'd say. Tony, my warning mark enough, gave him a whole week's pay, and that seemed more than fair to me. Did he say anything else? Well, yeah, he threatened me. Oh. Said I'd be sorry I fired him, said I'd live to regret it. Uh-huh. Made quite a scene. Told him if he didn't get out, he'd call the police. Did he leave then? Well, not right away. He quieted down, so I'm asking to change my mind to keep him on. Said he couldn't be out of work now that he had to have a job on kind of the baby. I told him there are plenty of jobs to be had. If a man really wants work, he can find it. You know, different from when I was his age, had to earn your wages. Mm-hmm. And he'd take young fellows like Gilroy, careless, irresponsible. Always looking for shortcuts, always looking for an easy job. He's always looking for an easy dollar. Never give value in return. No. That's why I'm sure it was him just the shortest stunt he'd pull, easy way to earn a dollar. Well, then he's got something to learn, Annie. Mm-hmm. This was the hard way. BANG!

5:28BANG! Frank and I called the crime lab. While they checked the premises, we continued to interview the victim, George Prosper. He gave us a description of the suspect, Morgan Gilroy and Gilroy's home address. They also gave us a detailed description of the stolen property. 1017 AM. The lab reported that they were unable to find any useful fingerprints on the Jimmy door. Pictures of the Jimmy marks were taken. There was no other physical evidence. 1057 AM. Frank and I draw out to the address Prosper, Givinus, was a small apartment house on Pountain Avenue in Hollywood. The Gilroy apartment was number seven. Yes? Morgan Gilroy and? No, he isn't. You miss his gun line? Yes, sir. Yes, my name's Friday. Please, meet you. Guard if we come in for a minute. I guess it'll be all right. Thank you. I'm sorry, I'm not thick-stop. I kind of overslept this morning. Yes, ma'am. Are you out late last night, Mrs. Gilroy? No. How about your husband? What about him? Was he out late?

6:28Well. Don't you think you ought to tell me why you want to know? It's a police matter. Maybe you'd better talk to Morgan. Yes, ma'am. You know where he is. It worked. I wonder where he worked, Mrs. Gilroy. For a time, manufacture. Which one, do you know? Prosper's, George Prosper. The owner's name. How long has your husband worked for him? Six or seven months. And that's where he went this morning, did he? That's where he goes every morning. Mm-hmm. Something happened to Morgan. We'd like to talk to him, that's all. Then why don't you? I told you where you could find him. Yes, ma'am. The Prosper Thai company. I don't know what the address is, but it's in the phone book. Oh, we just came from there, Mrs. Gilroy. Well, I don't understand. Didn't you see more? Meet the Red Bull Dragonberry Emergist. It's one of the many new drinks out now. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so? Fire. Try them all only at my toes. Toyota's easy choice sales event is on. Whether you're looking for the performance of the camera, the versatility of Arab 4, the efficiency of a Corolla,

7:29or all electric driving in the BZ. There's a Toyota that's just right for you. And with great deals across the lineup, now's the time to find yours. But hurry, these deals won't last long. Toyota's easy choice sales event ends soon. We make it easy. Toyota, let's go places. Meet the Red Bull Dragonberry Emergist. It's one of the many new drinks out now. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so? Fire. Try them all only at my toes. Your husband doesn't work for him anymore. What? He was late out last week. What? I don't believe you. That's what his boss told us. Morgan would have said something about it. Oh, you've made a mistake. I must be talking about a different person. No, ma'am. What's got to be a mistake? Sure, Morgan gave me a paycheck last night. Every Friday night he gave me a paycheck. He got paid yesterday. The same is every week. Just don't have the check. No, not exactly.

8:30Believe me. But it wasn't the check he gave me, not really. Oh. You see, he'd cashed it on his way home from work. But it was the usual amount, $80. Mr. Prosper must have paid him. What time does your husband get home? Last night? That's right. Well, he was later the usual. How late? If Morgan's in some kind of trouble, I've got to write to know. I've got to write, have a night. I suppose you just answer our questions. He wouldn't have done anything wrong. Had it a time like this. You see, we're... We're gonna have a baby. What? Morgan doesn't even think about anything else. That's perfect when the baby comes. That's why he couldn't have done anything wrong. Do you understand what I'm getting at? That's right. That's why, whatever it is, it just has to be a mistake. But you're gonna help us clear it up. All right. What time you come home? About... About 2.15. Hey, I'm... Yes, sir. Did he say where he'd been? He called from the shop about 5.30 yesterday afternoon. Said they had a rush shipment to get out.

9:30That he'd be working late. Tell me not to wait up for him. Have you ever worked this late before? Once or twice. Not until 2.15 maybe, but until nearly midnight. Were you awake when he got home? Yes, sir. Then you're sure at the time. 2.15. Yes, sir, I'm sure. You see, I couldn't get to sleep. I was kind of worried about him. I guess I kept watching the clock. It was 2.15 when he came in. What did he say? He was kind of put out. Provoked about my still being awake. Said how to get my rest. On the count of the baby. I guess I sort of flared back. I said it was his fault on a kind of him being out to late. Or wasn't a real fight or anything like that. Look. He said I out in the blame him that we'd need all the extra money he could make. And he took out his wallet and gave me this week's pay, like I told you. Did he bring anything else on whether Mr. Gilroy? With him? Extra clothes, ties and anything like that. No. You mind if I look around the apartment? Why not wear everything he has if you'll tell me what you're looking for. Maybe I can help you. That's why I like to make that. Is this the bedroom?

10:30Yes, the bed isn't made. Don't worry about it. I wasn't feeling very good this morning. Yes, ma'am. You'd like some coffee. No, ma'am, thank you. What about your friend? No, I don't think so. Did Mr. Prasper really say he fired Morgan? Yes, ma'am. Well, did he say why? Well, you better ask your husband about that. Just as in fear. You're in a time like this. You don't appreciate Morgan. Now that people he's worked for. Ma'am does his best. This is the thanks he gives. Does he go, Ryan? He's ties blonde to your husband? Well, yes. You know where he got him. Sure he did. Something made it the shop, samples. I see. Does he have any more of the same kind? I don't think so. Don't tell me all this fuss is about a couple of ties. Well, it's a few more than that, ma'am. Oh? A hundred dozen. Except for the three ties which Frank had found in the bedroom, we were unable to turn up anything else that seemed to answer the description of the stolen property. 1215, PM. Frank stayed at the Gilroy apartment to wait for the suspect while I drove back to the Thai factory.

11:34George Prasper identified the ties taken from Gilroy's closet. He said that they were samples manufactured in his plant. He also said that they had been given to the suspect and had not been stolen. 136 PM, I checked Gilroy's name through on eye. They had nothing on him. 217 PM, I returned to the suspect's apartment. Hi, John. Hi. Can you sign him? No, not so far. Where's Ms. Gilroy? She's lying down. Oh, she's taken this pretty hard on all the pieces after you left. Oh, that's a shame. I guess you can't blame her much. Well, I'm the heat and all. She's bound to be upset. Find out, eh? Well, these are Gilroy's time. Yeah, Prasper gave him to him. Just there's somewhat similar to the ones that were stolen, but they're not the same. Uh-huh. Then you want to go out for a sandwich? Yeah, I guess so. You eat already? No, I wasn't hungry. Can I bring you back to him? Oh, milkshake, maybe. I'll do it. Okay. Doctor? Yeah, fine. I won't be long. Frank? Yeah. Ms. Gilroy is all right, Angie. Well, I guess so. I mean, she doesn't need to dock anything like that. Well, I don't know, Joe. Well, you're no more about it than I do.

12:35Well, I suppose she needs a doctor. She'd call one. Yeah. Well, hurry it up anyway. Sure. I thought I... You. Yes, ma'am. I happened to get the other officer. We're not to get some ones. Oh. Feeling better? Yes, thank you. The apartment's so stuffy to think. That's what it was. Yes, ma'am. I know that isn't what it was at all. Ma'am? You were not at the poison. You got me nervous. I don't know whether I'm coming or going. I'm sorry, we had to bother you. You just wasting your time. Morgan won't be home before six o'clock. He never gets off workin'. I can't seem to get it through my head, but he's not at the shop. No, no. Let the minute he comes in, I'll telephone you. Or if I hear from him, I promise the minute he comes in. Well, it might be better if we wait. Won't you try to believe me? Morgan's honest. Don't treat me honest. Yes, ma'am. He hasn't done anything wrong. To the head, I know what. He'd have told me. There was one thing you didn't tell him is Gilroy. Oh. That money he brought home last night.

13:35Well? Where I came from. Frank and I waited in the apartment until the suspect, Morgan Gilroy came home. 617 p.m., we took him into custody and drove him down to the city hall for questioning. It was very uncooperative and for nearly an hour we refused to discuss his whereabouts the previous night. 708 p.m., we continued the interrogation. I just had to lose your job last week, Gilroy. Answer the boss. He says you're worth the penalty. That's his opinion. You afraid to tell your wife he fired you? Who says I didn't tell her? Did you? Well, maybe you'll feel more like talking in the morning. Morning. That's right. You can't keep me down here tonight. Is that right? You want to drive Judy out of her mind? You saw she acted when you guys took me in. What are you trying to do to her? We're not doing anything to her, Gilroy. All we want is some straight answers from you. I wasn't enough losing my job. This one I needed at the most. Now you guys got to crawl on my back too. Why don't you get your last paycheck? From Prosper? Yeah. Did you fired me? That was last week sometimes. Against some? You gave your wife some money just last night. So?

14:35You told her it was this week's pay. Well, I had to tell her something to know. I didn't want to worry about me being out of work. I had to tell her something. What'd you get the money? Father. Yeah. Maybe it looked like I was stealing, but I was. Now I was going to tell him I was taking it. It was just a loan. I started growing unemployment. I thought we was buddies, Steve and me. Somebody turned over to cops for a lot of the $80 bucks. Who Steve? Steve McGill. I was a little bit more than I thought. Steve McGill. You know why you picked me up? What were you with this, McGill? Last night. One time, five o'clock, huh? Tell what? It must have been nearly two. It was a little after when I got home. Where were you? I'm at Steve at a bar over in Vermont. What's the label of it? Black pony. What'd you do to it? I had a couple of drinks. By tea. I'd go ahead. Some other guys came in, friends of Steve. I met him once or twice too. Somebody said let's get up a poker game. I told him I couldn't afford it. I didn't have any cash to spare. Steve said for me not to worry that if I ran short he'd stake me. Yeah. We all went over to his place.

15:36I did real good for the first couple of hours. I only had five bucks to start with. I ran it up to around 100. There it is. They were all ridden me. But how I was the one that didn't want to play. Yeah. The one about midnight, my luck started turning. By one thirty I was cleaned up. I was seen to be second high. Get a straight shirt, feed somebody else, and have a flash second high. The game break up at one thirty. Well, I played on a little longer without me fifteen twenty minutes. I stayed on because I wanted to make a touch from Steve after the other guys went home. Go ahead. I didn't know how to bring up the subject. Not that Steve can't afford it. He's got plenty of dough and he won over a couple hundred in the game. I was kind of beaten around the bush. Well, the sudden I noticed how drunk he was. He couldn't get his pants off. Just toppled over on the bed and went to sleep. He made sure it looked like he was asleep. Money was still laying there on a table. We've been playing over two hundred bucks. And we took 80 that ought to prove I am a thief. By what side of taking it all? What'd you do then? I went home. Just stop off on the way.

16:36Well, I couldn't have. That's Judy's show. I was there by little after two. Were you in the neighborhood of the Thai factory last night? Not within a half a mile. That's got to do with it anyway. What does this friend of yours live? Steve? That's right. A little street just off Western, Grammacy play. You got to tell her, though. I guess so. You know the number. Another off hand must be in the book. I'll check it, Joe. Last name is McGill. That's right. What the heck's going on here? You guys didn't even know about Steve. He didn't turn me in. Well, who did? A lot of ties were stolen last night. The factory you used to work for. Time. That's right. Do you think I had something to do with it? Your ex-boss does. Well, he hasn't got any right to accuse me. He's threatened to make trouble. Why may have sounded off when he fired me, but it was just talk. How could I make trouble for him? Somebody did. We were unable to contact the suspect's friend, Steve McGill, until the following morning. He confirmed the story. Gilroy had told us and refused to press any charges against him. From McGill, we got the names of the other three men who had played cards the night the Thai factory was broken into.

17:38They also confirmed Gilroy's alibi. Sunday, September 11, 10.46 a.m., Morgan Gilroy was released. Frank and I went back to the office. Now we got nothing. You think his wife was telling the truth? About him getting home at 2.15. We can't prove he didn't. Well, I guess not. Well, it seems to be cool and awful, little damage. Yeah. Probably would have been able to sleep last night, too. Yeah. That's my luck. Well, maybe he grabbed an after-safety note. No, I don't feel right when I sleep in the daytime, Joe. Isn't good for a person, you know. Those who system right out of Wackpool, except for my brother in law arm, and he can sleep anytime, any place. No strain at all. Oh, yeah. Burger week Friday. Yes, sir. Uh-huh. Yeah, I've got it. When did it happen? Nice. Right. Bye. Men's clothing strut and crenshawer owner came in this morning to do some work on the books. Uh-huh. Somebody had jimmyed the bag dirt during the night.

18:38So we'll supply a suit, slack, sport coat. Yeah. And the bat your hand paid a tie. Frank and I drove out to Nembo's men's store on crenshawer Boulevard. We talked to the owner, Carl Nembo. He showed us how the store had been entered and gave us a description of the store and merchandise. The thief had apparently followed the same emoll that he'd been years in the phosphatide company. We were unable to learn anything more about the suspect's identity. Several days later, a tie shop in Hollywood reported the loss of over 200 nit ties. The following night, a men's clothing store was a bit of a mess. The shop was a bit of a mess. The shop was a bit of a mess. The loss of over 200 nit ties. The following night, a men's clothing store on Wilshire Boulevard was burglarized. Investigations indicated that all these crimes were the work of the same man or men. Burgers who were known to have used similar emolls were interrogated. No leads were developed. Monday, September 19th, 806 PM. Frank and I were getting ready to go off duty. You want to stop by the house and you wait home? No, I'm pretty tired. I think I'll get to sat barely. We could watch a little TV supposed to be a good fight tonight. It's too late for that now, isn't it?

19:38Oh, yeah, I guess so. Oh, I could watch something else. You're not going to go to sleep at 8 o'clock, are you? No. Well, come on in. I'll get it. All right. Gregory Smith. Who? Oh, yes, sir. Sure, I remember. Yes, sir. Hi, Steve. What's that address? We'll meet you out in front. Right away, yes, sir. Right on the side of that tie factory, George Prosper. Yeah. He's calling from a bar over an enormity. But if he's still on ties, just walked in. You go out to a small bar and grill on the corner of Normandy and Kingsley Drive. George Prosper was standing in front of the place when we pulled up. He walked over to us. Evening, Mr. Prosper? Good evening. How are you? Pretty fair. You sure this is one of your ties, and I... Positive. Positive. It was a special worked out to design myself. Exactly. There's another one like it anywhere. Can you point him out to us? Mm-hmm. Nice see? Through the window there? That corner booth? That one there, huh?

20:38Yeah, if tall fellow sitting alone. Okay, thanks. Hey, you want me to come in with you? No, sir. We'll take care of it. We might need you later on, though. Whatever you say. You know how to get in touch with me. Yes, sir. Good night. Good night. Good night, sir. Well, I'd like to talk to you for a minute. Okay, sir. Well? We're police officers. Okay. What's your name? Crandel. Dick Crandel. You got a job? Sure. Doing what? CPA. Public account. That's right. That's make pretty good money, huh? What makes you think so? The way you're dressed? I'm single. I don't have a lot of expenses. Nice suit. Thanks. Remember where you bought it? Sure, where it's San Francisco. When I'm on my vacation, we can go. Can we see the label? Okay. Okay. Yeah. One drink? No, thanks. My pleasure. No. You ever going to rest at Crandel? Sure. Tell us about it. Speeding?

21:38Nothing else. No. You get that tie-up noise, too? No. Where'd you get it? I felt I met a couple of nights ago. I got to talk to him in a bar. What bar? Well, I'll limp it down to a town. Don't remember the name of it. What about this fellow? We were talking, sir. He was in the clothing business. I had to mention my hobby was stamp collecting. Yeah. Sir, chew was a coincidence. What do you mean by that? One of his customers was a stamp collector, too. Had the factory make up a special tie farm designed it like rare postage stamps. Oh. This one right here. And when I went, offered to sell it to me. Yeah. Because the customer was made for it left L.A. You have the tie with him? Here's hotel. Took me over there to show me. What hotel? I don't know. A little place, a couple of blocks away from the bar. Do you think you could find it again? I guess so. You go up to his robe. Yeah, you showed me the tie. Showed me a lot of other clothes, too. Did you buy anything else? Nothing else I needed. I stocked up when I was in San Francisco. Didn't need the tie either, but it was a real bargain. Yeah. Three-fifty, it's all you asked for. I like this as worth at least seven rate bucks. You couldn't see how it was making any profit selling it at a price like that. You made a profit. It doesn't seem possible. It must have cost him more than three-fifty.

22:39No, it didn't. Huh? But it will. Dick Tundle gave us a description of the man who had sold him the tie. He agreed to accompany us to the bar where they'd met. 1017 PM, Frank and I interviewed the bartender at the BTJ Cafe on Olympic Boulevard. He remembered the suspect and said he had been in several times during the past week. He couldn't tell us his name or address. He left the bar in Canvas to the vicinity for the hotel where the suspect had taken Tundle. 1058 PM, Tundle identified them once in the hotel as the suspect's residence. Frank and I went inside and talked to the clerk on duty. To the best of my knowledge, there's only one person staying here who fits that description. That's Mr. Laffrey. He's one of the nicest gentlemen he ever made. He's in the clothing business. He ran now. Let me check his box. Yes, he must be in his room. The key's not here. What room is that? That's 212. He's very careful, Mr. Laffrey. He always leaves his key at the desk whenever he goes out. All right, thanks. He's generous too. Generous too of fall. He'll say. Make sure to see this tie. He gave it to me. Is that right? Yeah, that's one of my favorites. That's too bad.

23:39You may have to give it back. Frank and I walked up to the second floor. Room 212 was at the end of the hall and then the fire escape. The trance was open and we could see a light inside the room. Who is it? Come on, open up. Yes, sir. Just a minute. What can I do for you, Jeff? Police officer stands still. Oh, police. You're wasting your time. I don't believe in fire, I'm. He's a light, Jim. What did I tell you? I was a stuff. I suppose you mean the items I stole? That's what we mean. I've already managed to dispose of a good deal of it. Parts left is in the closet. Not yet. And by the way, the bird of the kids under the bed. Thanks. Always believing, cooperating with the police. Things seem to work out better that way. Yeah. Although frankly, I'm surprised you weren't here sooner. Is that so? Last week. That's what I was expecting. Oh, I'm sorry, we were late. That looks like we got everything we need, Jim. All right, let's go. You didn't overlook the two. Don't worry. Last week, I was certain you'd be here then.

24:40Mm-hmm. Right after my second job. I've never been able to pull more than two before, without being arrested on me. You don't say. It was four this time, you know. Yeah, we know. Four jobs. Well, that's a new record for me. Well, let's go let it go to your head now. Oh, I don't take all the credit. If I'd ever worked law-sangers before you, probably would have found me sooner. Mm-hmm. I'd have to go somewhere else when I get out. Yeah. Maybe up north to Seattle. I never worked there. Mm-hmm. Might be able to pull five jobs before they catch me. Set myself a new record. Yeah, well, that's not likely. You see. Just wait till I get out. We won't be around that long. The story you've just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On January 7, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California, in and for the County of Los Angeles. Russell Herbert Lafferty was tried and convicted of burglary

25:49in the first degree for counts. Because of his previous record, he was a judge to be an habitual criminal, and was sentenced to life imprisonment in the State Penitentiary, San Quentin, California. Dragnet. The story of your police force in action is a presentation of the United States Armed Forces' radio service.