Dragnet: The Big Pick 12/8/1953

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Pick (12/8/1953)

Release Date: December 31, 2024

---

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, the iconic detective series Dragnet unfolds a gripping tale of pickpocketing in Los Angeles. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, the episode delves deep into the meticulous investigative process of Detective Friday and his partner, Detective Smith, as they navigate the complexities of an organized crime gang targeting unsuspecting victims.

---

The Crime

Timestamp [02:42] The story kicks off on Tuesday, May 10th, with Detective Friday detailing their assignment to track down a Bunko fugitive, part of an organized gang of pickpockets wreaking havoc in the city. The victims, including an elderly man named Lewis Bonning, have no specific descriptions of the culprits, complicating the investigation.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [02:42]: "You’re assigned a Bunko fugitive detail. An organized gang of pickpockets is working in your city."

---

Initial Investigation

Timestamp [03:00] - [05:21] Detective Friday and Detective Smith gather initial information from Lewis Bonning, the latest victim who lost $5,200 without any confrontation. Bonning recounts his routine that morning: withdrawing a significant amount from the bank intending to move to Chicago after his wife's passing. His meticulous account of the theft, occurring at a local market while he had his money in his pocket, provides the detectives with sparse clues.

Notable Quote:

Victim Lewis Bonning [04:12]: "If it was that way, I'd know. But just all of a sudden I put my hand in my pocket to feel the money and it wasn't there."

---

Developing Leads

Timestamp [05:06] - [08:21] The detectives analyze the modus operandi of the pickpocket gang, identifying roles such as the Jug Mob, the shover, and the wire. They consult their records and connect with Slim Ramos, a reformed pickpocket known for his cooperation with the police. Ramos, now running a Wheel of Fortune booth, becomes a crucial informant, offering names of suspects: Howard Kremer, Victor Lyden, and Edward Alcott.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [07:05]: "It's the one good thing about starting with nothing in it. Yeah, we can only go one way."

---

Stakeout and Informant Engagement

Timestamp [08:33] - [16:04] Detective Friday and Detective Smith visit Slim Ramos at his booth in Santa Monica to extract information about the gang's operations. Slim provides insights into recent activities and emphasizes the gang’s focus on elderly victims for easy pickings. The detectives enhance their surveillance efforts by coordinating with Captain Didion and deploying additional officers to monitor key locations, including the victim's bank.

Notable Quote:

Slim Ramos [11:17]: "I know the score. There ain't a place in the world that the fix can't be put in."

---

Breakthrough and Surveillance

Timestamp [17:28] - [20:56] Despite intensive surveillance from May 11th to May 18th, the gang remains elusive, prompting the detectives to revisit their strategies. Their persistence pays off on Friday night when a tip from a bank guard leads them to the suspects wandering through a busy street. In a swift maneuver, Detective Friday and Detective Smith apprehend Howard Kremer as he attempts another theft alongside his accomplices.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [20:56]: "The Shover just spotted him. The call had come from a bank at the corner of 7th and Jackson Streets."

---

Interrogation and Confession

Timestamp [22:24] - [27:04] The arrested suspect, Howard Kremer, faces intense interrogation. Initially defensive and uncooperative, Kremer's facade crumbles as Detective Friday skillfully challenges his alibis and inconsistencies. The detectives leverage Kremer's experience and knowledge of pickpocket operations to break his resistance, ultimately extracting a confession that implicates his partners, Victor Lyden and Edward Alcott.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [26:19]: "You work?"

Howard Kremer [24:34]: "Yeah. Where?"

---

Trial and Conviction

Timestamp [27:16] - [28:42] The narrative culminates in the courtroom, where Howard Kremer, Edward Alcott, and Victor Lyden stand trial for six counts of grand theft money. The evidence, meticulously gathered and presented by Detective Friday and Detective Smith, leads to their conviction. The punishment for grand theft money ranges from 1 to 10 years in the state penitentiary, underscoring the severity of their crimes.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [27:16]: "Howard Nathan Kremer, Edward Francis Alcott and Victor Frederick Leighton were tried and convicted on six counts of grand theft money."

---

Conclusion

The episode wraps up by reaffirming the authenticity and procedural accuracy of the Dragnet series, emphasizing collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department and acknowledging the contributions of various technical advisors and cast members. The story of Detective Friday and Detective Smith not only entertains but also educates listeners on effective law enforcement techniques against organized crime.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [27:16]: "The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent."

---

Final Notes

Throughout the episode, Dragnet exemplifies the dedication and persistence of law enforcement in combating sophisticated criminal operations. The detailed portrayal of investigative methods, coupled with authentic dialogues and character interactions, makes this episode a standout in old-time radio detective storytelling.

---

Credits and Acknowledgments

Dragnet Announcer and the production team receive special thanks for their role in bringing authentic police procedural narratives to life, with John Robinson scripting and Walter Schumann providing the evocative musical score.

---

This extensive summary captures the essence and key moments of the Dragnet: The Big Pick episode, offering both an engaging narrative and insightful look into the investigative processes of the era's most renowned radio detectives.

Transcript

[Podbean Representative 1]

Your message amplified.

[Podbean Representative 2]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean Representative 1]

Podbean.

[Podbean Representative 2]

Podbean.

[Podbean Representative 1]

Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Detective Friday]

To launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Representative 1]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Detective Friday]

My school uses Podbean.

[Podbean Representative 2]

My church too.

[Podbean Representative 1]

I love it. I really do.

[Detective Smith]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a Bunko fugitive detail. An organized gang of pickpockets is working in your city. None of the victims can give a description of the suspects. There's no lead to their identity. Your job, get them. With the winter season coming on, young America and all of us be concentrating on our favorite winter sports. Ice skating, bowling, basketball, skiing. One thing you'll notice, whatever young America does, wherever it goes, Chesterfield goes along. Yes, Chesterfield is the choice of young America. Chesterfield is the choice of more. Thousands of smokers everywhere. People are learning the facts about Chesterfield. Learning that Chesterfield is highest in quality, low in nicotine. Learning that Chesterfield is really mild, really satisfying. How about it friends? Change to Chesterfield yourself. Smoke America's most popular two way cigarette, regular and king size Chesterfield. Best for you.

[Dragnet Announcer]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. Transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Detective Friday]

It was Tuesday, May 10th. We were working the day watch out of Bunko fugitive division pickpocket detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Didion. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from communications and it was 11:14am when I got to room 38. Bunko.

[Dragnet Announcer]

Joe.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective Smith]

Anything come in from St. Louis?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, they checked the carnies plan back there. No trace of Beck.

[Detective Smith]

Tip was wrong then, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, looks like it.

[Detective Smith]

Four, two now.

[Detective Friday]

Well, about all we can do is sit and wait for a reply on the radiogram. He's gotta be someplace. And he isn't gonna stop working. There'll be word on him somewhere.

[Detective Smith]

I'll be glad when we turn the key.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Excuse me.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

I wonder if he could help me.

[Detective Friday]

Well, we'll try, sir. You want to come on in? What's it all about?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

I've been robbed, sir. They took my money. All of it? Every bit. I don't know how, but they took it all. I don't know what to do.

[Detective Friday]

Well, do you want to sit down?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Yes, please. I don't know how they did it. I tried to be so careful, but they took it all. 37 years doing without. Now I got nothing.

[Detective Friday]

This is my partner, Frank Smith. My name's Friday. Maybe if you'd tell us what happened here, we could help you.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Yes, maybe. I'm Lewis Bonning.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

I live at 1820 Woodworth Court, Los Angeles. 12. I have a room there. I see $14 a week in privileges.

[Detective Smith]

If you tell us what happened, Mr. Bonning, we might be able to do something for you.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

I'm trying to tell you. I'm trying to think of what happened. I don't believe it yet.

[Detective Friday]

You said you were robbed, is that right?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Yes. $5,200. All gone.

[Detective Friday]

Were you held up?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

No, nothing like that. If it was that way, I'd know. But just all of a sudden I put my hand in my pocket to feel the money and it wasn't there. Nothing was there. I had a pocket full of empty.

[Detective Smith]

Now, sir, do you usually carry that much money around with you?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

No, mister. I got it from the bank this morning. I'm going away. I was leaving Los Angeles. That's why I had the money, so I could leave.

[Detective Friday]

All right, sir. Suppose you start right at the beginning and tell us the whole story, will you?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Well, my wife passed on four weeks ago. Monday, April 4th. That's when it happened.

[Detective Friday]

April 4th. Uh huh.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

We came to this country when we were both young. She died four weeks ago.

[Detective Smith]

Yes, sir. If you'd go on about the theft, please.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Well, I thought I'd maybe go back to Chicago to live with one of my daughters. She asked me to come and I thought I would, so I drew out the money.

[Detective Friday]

You took the money out of the bank?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Yes, this morning. $5,200. It's what we'd shaved. I couldn't leave it here in the bank if I was going to be in Chicago.

[Detective Friday]

Well, you could have had the money transferred, you know.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

I guess that's what I should have done, but it's too late now.

[Detective Friday]

Did you have the money when you left the bank?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Yes. I rolled the bills up and put them here in my pocket here. This one on the left side. I kept my hand on the Money. So I knew it was there.

[Detective Smith]

Now, what'd you do after you left the bank?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Well, I was going home. I thought I'd walk home. I went down the street and then I thought I'd stop for some coffee. I was all packed at my room, so I didn't want to make a mess. I thought I'd have a cup of coffee out. I went into big market. They have a coffee counter there. And I went in, sat down all the time. I kept my hand on the money. I could feel it through the pants. It was in my pocket.

[Detective Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

I had the coffee and I went to go out of the market. As I walked through all the people, a box fell off a stack of boxes and almost hit me. I didn't think anything about it. Nobody was hurt. All the people in the market came over to me and asked if I was all right. But I said, yes, I was all right. Then I went out of the market. I got on the street when I remembered about the money, and it was gone.

[Detective Friday]

Now, it had been taken from you in the market, is that right?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Yes, mister. It was in the market, I think.

[Detective Smith]

Now, let's get this straight. While you were in there, did anyone bump into you?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

I don't understand.

[Detective Smith]

I mean, anyone jostle you, bump into you without reason?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

No. No, I don't remember.

[Detective Friday]

Did anybody follow you from the bank to the market that you noticed?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

It was hard to tell, mister. There are a lot of people on the streets. Would be hard to tell if there was anyone.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir, I understand. But was there any one person you recall having seen this morning? One face that you might remember, maybe?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

No, mister. I tried to think about it, but there's no one.

[Detective Friday]

I see.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Do you think you'll get it back for me, sir? The money? It makes a big difference.

[Detective Smith]

How's that?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Before, when I had the money, I could go and live with my daughter. With the money, I could be independent, Be a different feeling. You understand, don't you?

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir, I do.

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

That's why it's so important you get the money back. So I can go live with my daughter. So I can do that. That's the only reason I trouble you. The only reason I have to ask you to find the man. That's the only reason I got him.

[Detective Friday]

It's a little different with us, sir. Huh? We've got another one. For the past several weeks, we've been getting reports of the existence of an organized gang of pickpockets working in Los Angeles. Contrary to most opinion, a pickpocket Seldom works alone. Like everything else, it's gotten to be a highly specialized operation. Normally there are several men to each team. The Jug Mob, who usually spends his time in banks looking for the victim. The shover who pushes or bumps the victim so his money can be taken. And the wire, who does the actual pocket picking. In certain types of operation, the Jug Mob is replaced by the short, who work streetcars and spots people who have large amounts of money. Under normal circumstances, a professional group of pickpockets can take approximately $5,000 a day out of a tip or a crowd. 11:47am we had the victim, Louis Bonning, look through the pictures of known pickpockets for a possible identification of the man who'd taken his money. He was unable to find anybody who looked familiar. We told him to go home. We said that we'd be in touch with him. 12:35pm Frank and I checked back into the office.

[Detective Smith]

Rough one, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, they all come out that color, don't they? I sure hope we can do some good for them.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah, nice old guy.

[Detective Friday]

You want to get in touch with Slim Ramos? Let's go down and talk to him. He might be able to come up with something.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah, I'll get his number. I gotta get a new book. This one's getting almost impossible to use. Yeah, look at this. Numbers all crossed out. You know, when they change the prefixes. Yeah, sure made a mess out of my book.

[Detective Friday]

Here it is.

[Detective Smith]

X Book 4. Slim Ramos there. Hey Slim. That's Frank Smith. Yeah, good. Yeah. Say, Slim, wait a minute now. The reason I called you, Joe and I would like to come down and talk to you if it's okay. You gonna be there this afternoon? Uh huh. No, nothing wrong. Just a couple of things we want to check over with you. Yeah, okay. See you around 2:30, huh? Is that all right? Yeah, okay. No, I know where it is. Right. See you then. He's gonna be in all afternoon. Said he'd be glad to see us.

[Detective Friday]

Good. Maybe he's got something we can use on this thing.

[Detective Smith]

Well, he'll lay it out for us if he has.

[Detective Friday]

Well, it's the one good thing about starting with nothing in it. Yeah, we can only go one way. 1206pm Frank and I checked out of the office and we started for Santa Monica. Slim Ramos had been one of the best pickpockets in the business. He'd been arrested and served a term in San Quentin. After he'd been paroled, he'd opened a small stand on one of the amusement piers near the beach. From his past record, Ramos had been cooperative with the police department and several arrests were attributed to his information. Ramos was operating a Wheel of Fortune booth at the end of the pier. Frank and I parked the car and walked out.

[Detective Smith]

Quite a place, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective Smith]

I gotta bring the kids down here some Sunday. They get a real kick out of it.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. That's Slim's booth there, isn't it?

[Detective Smith]

Yeah.

[Detective Friday]

I don't see him.

[Detective Smith]

He said he'd be here.

[Detective Friday]

He might be around back.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah, I'd sure like to win one of those hams. Yeah, big ones, aren't they?

[Detective Friday]

Uh huh. Slim, you around?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, hold on, I'll be right out. Hi, Joe.

[Detective Smith]

Frank, how are you?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I was in the back packaging some groceries.

[Detective Friday]

Uh huh.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What can I do for you?

[Detective Friday]

I'd like to talk to you about a cannon operation.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I should have known. Come on back here, we can sit down.

[Detective Friday]

All right.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Watch your heads on the counter. Yeah, Got a couple of chairs back here. Come on, I can finish up the second.

[Detective Friday]

All right, go ahead.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, what's it about?

[Detective Friday]

You got any rumbles About a bunch of work in the downtown area?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What kind of operation?

[Detective Friday]

Jug mom.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Seems like I heard something about a bunch coming in from the east. Kc, I think. Seems I heard they worked a couple of still dates with a Connie back there. Boss didn't know they were working. When he found out, he had them kicked off the lot.

[Detective Friday]

You got any names for us?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

No, not right off. Gotta check around. Might be able to come up with them.

[Detective Friday]

What's the bit they've been scoring? Good work in the downtown area. Took an elderly man for his life savings this morning.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Uh huh. Figures, huh, they always pick on the elderly ones. Bump into a young guy, might give you trouble. Pick the old ones, they don't seem to notice it.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. How you been doing, Slim?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, good. Got it real good. I ain't killing the world, but my rent's paid. I know there ain't gonna be a fuzz on my tail tonight. I got it real good.

[Detective Friday]

How long you been here now?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I guess it's been about a year. Thought if I could get permission, I might go out with a carny this year. You know, work the front end.

[Detective Friday]

Mm.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Got a letter from a friend that's got a grind store. One of the big ones. He says he might be able to.

[Detective Smith]

Get me in a grind store.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, you know, everybody plays, everybody wins. Pay a dime to win a piece of slum worth maybe a couple of cents. This carny I might go with has got no Grift in the front end. All percentage games. Way I figured, if you go out with a good one, weather holds, you're gonna do all right.

[Detective Smith]

Well, you figure you can come out better than you do here?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, sure. You see, we get a real good play over the weekends. Regular days is kind of slow. Go out with a big carny, you can draw crowds anytime. If the weather's good, bound to come out better.

[Detective Friday]

You'll check into those names for us, will you, Slim?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, I'll make a couple of calls.

[Detective Friday]

Can you make them now?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

No, I have to get in touch with the guys tonight. I'll get back to you first thing in the morning.

[Detective Friday]

All right, fine.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Same number, MI 5211.

[Detective Friday]

That's right. Bunco Fugitive.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah. All right, I'll give you a call. Buy you guys a cup of coffee?

[Detective Friday]

No thanks, Slim. We're just going to eat. You want to come along? We'll buy you one.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Okay. Now hold on while I check with Harry. Have him keep an eye on things. All right, you go ahead.

[Detective Smith]

Okay.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Now watch the counter. I came up too fast the other day, like took all the skin off my back. Yeah, hold on a minute, I'll be right back.

[Detective Friday]

All right.

[Detective Smith]

Nice looking place, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, he's painted it since we were down here last time.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, let's go.

[Detective Smith]

You painted up the place, huh, Slim?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah. Thought I might turn a bigger tip. The place looked good. You know, people like a clean looking place.

[Detective Friday]

How are the rest of the booths doing down here, Slim?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Doing pretty good. I told you, weekends we do great. Other times a little slow.

[Detective Friday]

Uh huh. Any grift down here?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

No. At least if there is, I haven't heard of it. Guy in the Santa Monica Police Department, Lieutenant Cunningham. He keeps the place real clean.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Last thing I heard about was a guy was working with a camelback wheel.

[Detective Smith]

A what?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Camelback, like mine, only this was gaffed.

[Narrator]

How?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Smoothest pitch around. The arrow is connected to a spindle. Spindle goes through a stand. Looks like it'd be no way to gee it. Plain pipe looks clean.

[Detective Smith]

What's the gimmick?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, the frame rests on four pins. Pins are supposed to be what anchors it to the counter. Now, three of the pins go into one piece of the counter. They really do hold the wheel in place. The other one goes through a separate piece of wood on the booth side of the counter. There's a space between the board on the booth side and one of the three legs go through.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Now the pin and the fourth leg is loose. It's connected with a bunch of levers inside. The pipe acts as a brake on the wheel. All the operator has to do is lean against the board and he's got complete control of the wheel all the time.

[Detective Friday]

That's a real nice deal, isn't it?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, the way they figured, it's perfect in case they get a cowboy in the crowd. The mark can pick the wheel right up out of the counter. Shows that there's no wires running to it. The wheel's gaffed. There's no way to prove it. Set it up with a couple of sticks in front. Let him win a couple of times. You got it made. It's the way they figure. It doesn't work out, though. Well, like on my wheel, I got 120 numbers on it. Figure I get good action. I'm gonna have maybe half of them covered right off. The odds are on my side. Out of the rest, there's only one winner. Half of them covered means a gross of about 6 bucks. I give away $5 worth of groceries. Even with a winner, I come out every time. Percentage is proven. Look at it that way. You don't need a gaff wheel.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. It's too bad more of them don't figure it like that.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, I suppose. Took me a long time to find it out.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah, but you came up with the answers.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I hope I can do the same for you on the Cannon operation.

[Detective Friday]

So do we.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

It's funny. I get to thinking when I was working as a wire how we figured that anytime we could lift a poke from a mark was a big laugh. Lot of difference now.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, right.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah. Now I sleep nights.

[Detective Friday]

2:15Pm we continue to talk to our informant, Slim Ramos. He said that he didn't know the name of the carnival the possible suspects had been fired from. He said that he'd call some of his contacts and try to get the information for us. We set up a time for him to get in touch with us. And then Frank and I drove back to the office. We contacted Captain Didion and made arrangements for additional men to be assigned to help us. Sergeants John dibetta and Danny Gilmour were asked to aid us in a search of the market where the victim had been robbed. We spent the next three hours in the market looking at the crowd in the hopes that we'd see a known pickpocket or even see a wire in operation. But the surveillance netted us nothing. We made arrangements for the victim's bank to be watched the following morning, 6:15pm Frank and I got back to the squadroom.

[Detective Smith]

Well, he sure does a good business, doesn't it?

[Detective Friday]

Right?

[Detective Smith]

The market, Joe. A lot of people go in there.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective Smith]

What's the matter with you?

[Detective Friday]

Well, I was just thinking. I guess it comes down to the point where the only way to hang on to your money is to carry it in your hand and keep your fist closed.

[Detective Smith]

It's darn close. I was talking with Lieutenant Jack Swan. He was telling me a guy came in here from Nebraska. Came in by bus.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective Smith]

Was sitting in the station waiting for a coach to take him up north. Had all his money in his shoe.

[Detective Friday]

In his shoe?

[Detective Smith]

Yeah, had it in his left shoe. Had the money all flat so he could walk on it. Figured it'd be safe there, wasn't it?

[Detective Friday]

No.

[Detective Smith]

Dozed off for a minute. Next thing he knows, the shoe's off and the money's gone.

[Detective Friday]

How would anybody know where it was?

[Detective Smith]

I don't know. The guy that took it found it, though. Guy dozed off for a minute, loses his shoe and all his money.

[Detective Friday]

Anything turn up on it? No. Again. Bunko. Fugitive Friday. Yeah. Yeah. Slim. Mm. What was that name again? Yeah. Mm. What'd he say about it?

[Podbean Representative 1]

Podbean. Your message amplified.

[Podbean Representative 2]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean Representative 1]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Representative 1]

Use Podbean to record your podcast.

[Podbean Representative 2]

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Podbean Representative 1]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

[Podbean Representative 2]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Podbean Representative 1]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Detective Friday]

Wait a minute. Try.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah, Here you go.

[Detective Friday]

Pencil, too?

[Detective Smith]

Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

[Detective Friday]

All right, Slim, go ahead. Was that with a K?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

What? O, L?

[Detective Friday]

C. C, as in Charlie Ott. Right. You know where they're staying, huh? All right, well, give us a call if anything more turns up, huh? Right. Okay, Slim. Thanks a lot. Right, Bye.

[Detective Smith]

How do you do?

[Detective Friday]

Well, pretty good. Three names of the guys who work the Kearney and kc. Yeah, Slim talked to a friend, got the information that the guys who work in the downtown area been scoring real good.

[Detective Smith]

Say where we could find him?

[Detective Friday]

No, he's going to try to get the address for us.

[Detective Smith]

Well, we took a big jump just knowing who they are.

[Detective Friday]

Deal now is to make it work.

[Detective Smith]

What do you mean?

[Detective Friday]

Well, Slim says his bunch is pretty hinky. They're playing it real careful.

[Detective Smith]

Yeah.

[Detective Friday]

Words out. They got two more big scores to make and Then they're going to leave town.

[Dragnet Announcer]

You are listening to Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action.

[Narrator]

Smokers by the thousands are now changing to Chesterfield because they're learning the facts about Chesterfield. Facts like these.

[Dragnet Announcer]

A doctor has been examining chesterfield Smokers for 20 months. Almost two full years now. We've just received his latest report and it confirms again no adverse effects to the nose, throat and sinuses from smoking Chesterfield.

[Narrator]

That's a matter of record and so is this. Chesterfield is the only cigarette proved highest in quality, low in nicotine. Those are the facts about Chesterfield. More good reasons why Chesterfield's taste so good. Smoke so much milder. How about it, friends? Smoke America's most popular two way cigarette. Chesterfield, regular and king size. Best for you.

[Detective Friday]

The three names our informant had given us were Howard Kremer, Victor Lyden and Edward Alcott. We had the names checked through our record bureau but we found that none of the three men had been arrested in Los Angeles. We got a radiogram off to the police department in Kansas City the last place the trio was known to have worked. We asked that all information on the thieves be forwarded to us. We also sent a teletype to George Brereton up at Sacramento CII asking him to check the names for us. The following morning, Wednesday, May 11, we got word from Kansas City that the officials there were forwarding mug shots and descriptions of the three men. During the day, Frank and I met with Captain Didion and a surveillance of the downtown area banks was set up. On Friday morning, when Frank and I checked into work a special delivery letter was waiting for us. In it we found the records and pictures of Kremer, Lydon and Alcott. The pictures were handed over to the photo lab and they started to reproduce them. The descriptions were sent to the print shop and mo sheets were made up. As soon as possible, the pictures and the bulletins were distributed to all bank guards in the area. Additional officers from Bunco Fugitive were placed in the vicinity. Frank and I maintained a rolling stakeout in the downtown area. At 9pm Friday night, the banks closed and we'd gotten no report that the thieves had worked. Local broadcasts were gotten out on the men, but there were no replies. Monday, May 16, the plan was put into effect. Again, no results. Tuesday, the gang didn't work. Began to look as if they might have closed up operations in Los Angeles and moved on. Wednesday, May 18, Frank and I came back from lunch. I get it. Bunk of fugitive Friday. Yes, sir, that's right. Where? Right. No, don't do anything to let him know. Right. Let's go.

[Detective Smith]

Some good.

[Detective Friday]

The Shover bank guard just spotted him. The call had come from a bank at the corner of 7th and Jackson Streets. The guard told us that he'd seen one of the suspects enter the bank. And under the pretense of filling out defense deposit slips. Observe the withdrawals that the customers were making. It took us a little under three minutes to get to the address. We checked with the guard and he pointed out the suspect. Frank pretended to make out a deposit slip while I waited at the new account desk. When we entered the bank, the suspect was standing at the teller's window. In front of him was an elderly man. As the line moved up, the suspect began to examine the slip that he'd made out. Then, as the elderly man took his turn at the window. The suspect walked away and stopped by the door. He waited for the man to finish his business at the teller's counter. Then, as he passed through the door, the suspect fell and stepped behind him. Frank and I followed him down the street. As he walked through the crowds, he was joined by Edward Alcott, the shover in the operation. The elderly man entered a small tobacco store. And as he went through the door, the wire. Howard Kremer joined the other two suspects. As the elderly man stood at the counter waiting to be served. The shover walked over to the magazine rack. He stood looking at the magazines for a moment. And then as he turned away. He seemingly tripped and fell against the proposed victim. Both Frank and I knew it was coming. We were watching for it. And yet we missed the actual theft. The wire moved in and removed the victim's money so fast that we couldn't see it. The shover took the wallet from the wire and the gang was ready to move on. Frank and I stepped into him. All right, Mr. Police Officers, you're under arrest.

[Detective Smith]

For what?

[Detective Friday]

Stop dreaming. You know the rot. Now, come on, beat him. Come on. All right, mister. Come on. On your head. Get up.

[Howard Kremer]

Get away from me, cop. Leave me alone. You're going to regret this, shoving a citizen around. No reason for this.

[Detective Friday]

How about the other two?

[Detective Smith]

They're out.

[Detective Friday]

All right, let's get him downtown.

[Detective Smith]

How about the victim?

[Detective Friday]

No, he left when the beef started. Better try to catch him.

[Howard Kremer]

Yeah, you're gonna be sorry for this.

[Detective Friday]

You wait.

[Howard Kremer]

You're gonna be real sorry shoving an honest citizen around.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, that's the trouble with you punks.

[Howard Kremer]

What do you mean?

[Detective Friday]

You're wrong on both counts. The three suspects were taken into custody and brought Downtown, the victim's wallet was found on the person of Edward Alut. It was identified by the owner and booked as evidence. 3:15pm we took the wire. Howard Kremer, to the interrogation room.

[Detective Smith]

Sit down, Kramer.

[Howard Kremer]

Yeah.

[Detective Smith]

All right.

[Detective Friday]

You want to give us a statement?

[Howard Kremer]

For what?

[Detective Friday]

Come off it. You know what we're talking about.

[Howard Kremer]

You got to have me cross with somebody else. I'm trying to level with you. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Detective Friday]

You want us to lay it out for you?

[Howard Kremer]

I don't care much either way. You guys slam into a store where I'm trying to buy a pack of cigarettes. And all of a sudden I got handcuffs on, you tell me I'm hooked for being a pickpocket.

[Detective Friday]

That's the way you want to tell it, huh?

[Howard Kremer]

There ain't any other words.

[Detective Smith]

Your two friends tell it different.

[Howard Kremer]

What two friends?

[Detective Friday]

Two fellas we picked up with you.

[Howard Kremer]

This is a big town. A lot of people. You walk into a store, you don't ask who's standing next to you.

[Detective Smith]

They put the whole deal on you.

[Detective Friday]

Who?

[Detective Smith]

Lydon and Alkin.

[Howard Kremer]

Never heard him.

[Detective Friday]

How long do you figure you're gonna keep this up, mister?

[Howard Kremer]

As long as it takes to get you on my side.

[Detective Friday]

They don't build days that long.

[Howard Kremer]

That's your loss. I'm a nice fella. If you take the time to get to know me.

[Detective Friday]

All right, Kramer, this is way off the road. Now, maybe you got all day, we haven't. You can either give it to us here and now. Or we can drop you into a cell and let you wait it out.

[Howard Kremer]

You put me in a tank and I'll be out in half an hour.

[Detective Smith]

How many times you been arrested?

[Howard Kremer]

Who says there was a first?

[Detective Smith]

How many times?

[Howard Kremer]

You got the books? Look it up.

[Detective Friday]

We ask you a question.

[Dragnet Announcer]

So?

[Howard Kremer]

I'm not a genius. I got trouble with addition.

[Detective Friday]

Take everything out of your pockets.

[Howard Kremer]

What?

[Detective Friday]

Come on.

[Howard Kremer]

Well, why?

[Detective Friday]

Look, you're running out of funny time here, Kremer.

[Howard Kremer]

Then you better ring the bell, because I'll need more of it.

[Detective Smith]

You got a job?

[Howard Kremer]

Yeah, I'm a president of a bank.

[Detective Smith]

You're going way out on this, Kremer.

[Howard Kremer]

I like the scenery.

[Detective Friday]

You work?

[Howard Kremer]

Yeah.

[Detective Friday]

Where?

[Victim Lewis Bonning]

Brown.

[Howard Kremer]

No special place.

[Detective Friday]

What do you do?

[Howard Kremer]

I'm a salesman.

[Detective Friday]

What do you sell?

[Howard Kremer]

Whatever people can afford.

[Detective Friday]

All right. Now, come on. Put your things on the table right now.

[Howard Kremer]

You can sign a receipt.

[Detective Friday]

They aren't going to be taken from me. Want to see what you're carrying?

[Howard Kremer]

Okay. You Boys deserve a break. But I'll tell you now, the numbers in my phone book are mine. Don't go near them.

[Detective Friday]

Come on, get it up.

[Howard Kremer]

Here's my watt handkerchief. Comb, nail clippers, some change, couple of ticket steps from a movie, a lousy picture, cigarette slider.

[Detective Smith]

That's it.

[Detective Friday]

You got any money in that wallet?

[Howard Kremer]

Yeah.

[Detective Smith]

How much?

[Howard Kremer]

I don't know. I don't pay much attention to how much I'm carrying.

[Detective Smith]

You can't even come close to how much you got.

[Howard Kremer]

No.

[Detective Friday]

Take it out and count it.

[Howard Kremer]

Okay. One, two, three. All right. Comes out to $3,700.

[Detective Smith]

You must do real good at that salesman's job.

[Howard Kremer]

Company pays big commissions.

[Detective Friday]

I'd put the money in your pocket.

[Howard Kremer]

Why don't you put it in yours?

[Detective Friday]

What'd you say?

[Howard Kremer]

Look, cop, I've been around. I've been with most of the carnies in the country. One time or another, I know the score. There ain't a place in the world that the fix can't be put in. Now, why don't you just take the money, you drop it in your pocket and I'll forget I was ever in here. Won't be nobody hurt. The old guys may be out a couple hundred bucks, but so what? He won't miss it. Why not put the fix and we'll both come out.

[Detective Friday]

All right. Now, the fixtures curdled. Kramer.

[Howard Kremer]

What?

[Detective Friday]

You said we had the record when you called it. We got all the word about you way down the line. You talk about how you worked with Carney's. How long, huh? What's the longest time you ever stayed with one outfit?

[Howard Kremer]

I like to move.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, sure you do. That's the way the people who run the show want it decent. Carney doesn't want a guy like you around you or anybody like you. You've been on the road taking money away from people who can't afford it for a long time. Now we nail you and you come in here acting like a big man. You do the indignant bit. And then when that doesn't work, you try to buy your way out. You've had it, mister. We know it and your two buddies know it. When are you gonna take a good look?

[Howard Kremer]

Really figure you've got it made, huh?

[Detective Friday]

We know we have.

[Howard Kremer]

The other two guys really cop out.

[Detective Friday]

The whole thing all comes down to how you engineered it.

[Howard Kremer]

You buy what they say, we buy it. Uh huh. Then there isn't much more for me to say, is there?

[Detective Friday]

Not a great deal. No.

[Howard Kremer]

Okay, let's go.

[Detective Friday]

How about A statement.

[Howard Kremer]

Why?

[Detective Friday]

Make it easier on yourself.

[Howard Kremer]

Easier if I cop out.

[Detective Friday]

You know what I mean?

[Howard Kremer]

Yeah. All right. Bring the girl in. I'll give you a statement.

[Detective Friday]

Frank?

[Detective Smith]

Yeah?

[Howard Kremer]

Mind if I have a smoke?

[Detective Friday]

What was that?

[Howard Kremer]

I said, you mind if I have a smoke?

[Detective Friday]

No, go ahead.

[Howard Kremer]

Wild one, isn't it?

[Detective Friday]

What?

[Howard Kremer]

Had it all down so pat. Good shover. Better jug moth. I'll sit in the front row with any wire in the business. All that and it don't add up to a winner.

[Detective Friday]

That's like you said, huh? You got trouble with addition.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Dragnet Announcer]

On September 14, trial was held in Department 96, Superior Court of the State of California in and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that trial. Howard Nathan Kremer, Edward Francis Alcott and Victor Frederick Leighton were tried and convicted on six counts of grand theft money and received sentence as prescribed by law. Grand theft money is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period of not less than 1 nor more than 10 years. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department. Technical Advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher. Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Ralph Moody, Herb Bygren. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator]

Watch an entirely different Dragnet case history each week on your local NBC television station. Please check your newspapers for the day and time Chesterfield has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles Buy new Fatima, the smooth smoke with Fatima tips of perfect cork, king size for longer filtering and Fatima quality for a much better flavor and aroma. This Christmas, give Fatima in the special Christmas carton cork tip and plain ends too. Hear Merrill Mueller and the news next.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

On the NBC radio.