Description:A newspaper cutting from the "Handsworth Chronicle" 24th December 1892.
An account of one of the many burglaries at this time taking place in the area around Charles Road and Crompton Road.
The home of Mr Bartlam, 82 Crompton Road, had been broken into by a group of particularly daring burglars. On finding coals and wood in the sitting room grate they had proceded to make themselves a fire then settled down to a "sumptuous feast" consisting of tea, whisky, port, lime juice, pickles, ham, cigars and other articles. What was not consumed was taken away, together with two valuable oil paintings.
During the night one of the family had heard a noise, but as the dog did not bark, had taken no notice.
In the morning the reason for the dogs silence became apparent.
The burglars had chloroformed the unfortunate creature then turned it's kennel over.
The police had no clue as to the identities of the desperadoes.