In a remarkable incident from 1973, thieves managed to steal a significant amount of liquor and cigarettes from the United Club in Suva, aided by the unusual technique of befriending the club’s watchdog, a Doberman pinscher named Caesar. Reports indicate that three men broke into the club after closing hours, overpowering the watchman, Ram Lal, who was patrolling alongside Caesar.
According to accounts, when Mr. Lal and Caesar heard a loud noise from the back door, they approached only to be ambushed by the intruders. The men quickly dealt with Caesar, who, rather than defending his territory, was petted by the thieves and allowed them to continue with their heist. Despite Caesar’s barking, the thieves were able to gain access to the storeroom, where they helped themselves to hundreds of dollars worth of goods.
A police officer patrolling the area noticed cartons of beer in the street, which led him to investigate further. Finding Mr. Lal tied to a chair, he was able to call for backup, as the thieves had cut the club’s telephone lines. This burglary marked the fourth time the United Club had been targeted.
While the thieves made a successful escape, the incident sparked conversations about security at local establishments, similar to ongoing discussions in recent articles regarding the importance of vigilance in preventing burglary incidents.
In contemporary times, with the holiday season approaching, law enforcement officials are reiterating the significance of securing premises. The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, has urged property owners to take necessary precautions, emphasizing the vulnerability of properties often left unsecured.
This historical incident serves as a reminder of the importance of paying attention to security measures, highlighting that proactive efforts can significantly deter criminal activities.
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