Digital Literacy – Redfern MTC

From the Archives: The Redfern Revolver Arrests (1920s)

Source: Central Police Court Records Presiding Magistrate: Mr. Gale, S.M.

The Charge: High-Value Larceny

Yesterday in the Central Police Court, two young suspects—Leslie Lewis (19) and Ellen Graham (21)—faced charges for a bold daylight robbery committed on September 3. The pair allegedly targeted the residence of Peter Toohey, titled “Te Whare,” located on Anzac Parade in South Kensington.

The items stolen consisted of a large quantity of clothing valued at £20 12s 6d.

Historical Note: In the 1920s, this was a staggering sum—roughly equivalent to $2,500–$3,000 AUD today. At a time when high-quality textiles were a major investment, clothing was a primary target for professional thieves looking to resell on the black market.

The Arrest: A Planned Getaway

Sergeant Napper provided gripping testimony regarding the arrest, which took place in a “safe house” on Abercrombie Street, Redfern. According to police reports:

The Escape Plan: When officers breached the dwelling, they found the stolen goods already crated and labeled for shipment to Melbourne. Inter-city “fencing” of stolen goods was a common tactic used to avoid local detection.
Armed Resistance: The situation was potentially lethal. Police discovered a loaded revolver on the table directly next to Lewis, with a second loaded revolver concealed in his pocket.

Court Outcome

Despite the presence of firearms and the flight risk to Victoria, bail was set at £80 each (an enormous bond for the era, intended to ensure their appearance).

The defendants have been remanded in custody until their next hearing on September 13.

Why This Matters to Historians

This case offers a window into the “Razor Gang” era of Sydney. While Lewis and Graham aren’t household names like Tilly Devine, the presence of multiple loaded revolvers during a “simple” clothing theft highlights the increasing militarization of the Sydney underworld during the interwar period. The move toward Redfern—then a dense, working-class industrial hub—provided the perfect cover for such operations.