Honor Among Thieves?

Today’s dramatic Photo of the Week documents a slick Flatbush burglary with an unusual conclusion. A tenacious robber, who tried several times to gain entry claiming to be a repairman, finally hoodwinked the wary housekeeper by waiting until she brought out the garbage. He brandished a gun and then, joined by a partner lurking nearby, they gained access. Once in, they stole furs, jewels and cash and locked Mrs. Arline Tompkins and the other person on the premises, Monroe Meyerson, in a small closet.  

When Meyerson protested that they might suffocate there, the younger bandit promised: “Don’t worry. We’ll call the police and they’ll let you out.  

As good as his word, the thief did call the police - but Tompkins and Meyerson didn’t wait around to be rescued. They found baseball bats in the cramped closet to break out and called the police themselves.  

The photo caption in the newspaper makes it clear that this was not a surprise candid, but Tompkins and Monroe recreating their escape for dramatic effect. This is a handsome example of the Eagle’s photo retouching, with particular care taken at the top of the broken door to clarify the action. 

One more interesting point, not expanded on in the article: Monroe Meyerson shares the last name of the homeowners. Perhaps he was the owners' son, but that coincidence is not explained by the reporter.

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