Dragnet 49-08-18 011 Production 11 aka Sixteen Jewel Thieves

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Dragnet 49-08-18 011 Production 11 aka Sixteen Jewel Thieves
Release Date: May 17, 2025

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Overview

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, titled "Sixteen Jewel Thieves," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a meticulously crafted crime drama. Set in the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero are on the trail of a cunning burglar responsible for a relentless spree of jewel thefts. Over sixteen consecutive nights, valuable jewels have been systematically stolen, each heist bearing the signature precision of a seasoned thief. This episode masterfully blends procedural investigation with character-driven storytelling, culminating in a satisfying resolution that underscores the relentless pursuit of justice.

Main Characters

• Detective Joe Friday: A methodical and stoic detective committed to solving the case.
• Detective Ben Romero: Friday's diligent partner, equally dedicated to cracking the case.
• Chief Ed Backstrand: The no-nonsense Chief of Detectives who oversees the investigation.
• Max Murphy: Owner of Henry's Pawn Shop, an old friend of Ben Romero, who becomes instrumental in the investigation.
• Walter Tracy (Alias Walter Baker): The elusive jewel thief whose activities drive the plot.
• Elizabeth Hunter: The landlady implicated in the case, adding complexity to the investigation.
• Billy Crawford: Tracy's accomplice, whose involvement adds depth to the criminal operation.

Plot Progression

Initial Investigation

The episode opens with Detectives Friday and Romero briefing on the surge of jewel thefts plaguing Los Angeles. With 16 burglaries in 16 days, the detectives are under pressure to apprehend the thief before the streak continues.

Detective Joe Friday [02:25]: "Sixteen nights in a row. He's picking up his pace."

Their investigation leads them to connect the string of thefts, identifying a pattern that suggests the work of a seasoned professional. The detectives scrutinize stolen items, noting the high caliber and specific details that point to a sophisticated operation.

Clues from the Pawn Shop

Key progress is made when the detectives visit Max Murphy's pawn shop. Max Murphy [06:35] reveals that his nephew, Harry, failed to check incoming items against the stolen property list, inadvertently providing a critical lead.

Detective Ben Romero [07:25]: "Here it is. That's him. Walter Tracy. 132 and a half. Blackstone Court, Los Angeles."

Using this lead, Friday and Romero distribute Tracy's description to various pawn shops, leading to the identification of stolen items under the name Walter Tracy. This breakthrough, however, does not immediately yield Tracy's whereabouts.

The Arrest and Interrogation

As the thefts escalate, the detectives finally spot Walter Tracy attempting to pawn more stolen jewels. A high-tension pursuit ensues, culminating in Tracy's arrest at Kaplan's Pawn Shop.

Detective Joe Friday [12:10]: "We took him directly to the interrogation room. We had him take everything out of his pockets."

During the interrogation, Tracy remains uncooperative, insisting on his innocence despite mounting evidence linking him to the thefts.

Walter Tracy [16:05]: "You sound smart, you don't act it. And you're flying. Brian. Copper."

Unyielding Pursuit

Undeterred by Tracy's defiance, Detectives Friday and Romero escalate their efforts. Chief Backstrand emphasizes the necessity of recovering the stolen jewels before Tracy can secure a permanent conviction.

Chief Ed Backstrand [19:02]: "We're not gonna send him up without finding the loot first. He's planted this stuff somewhere in this city."

The detectives devise a plan to canvass the areas linked to Tracy's pawn shop transactions, physically searching apartments, hotels, and rooming houses for hidden valuables. Their exhaustive search, spanning several unbearably hot days, tests their endurance and determination.

Detective Joe Friday [22:10]: "You're a dumb damn, Billy. So long, Walter."

Final Confrontation and Resolution

The relentless search pays off when Tracy's accomplice, Billy Crawford, inadvertently reveals the hiding places of the stolen items. In the climactic scene, Tracy's meticulously concealed loot is uncovered in various nooks of his apartment, marking the end of his burglary spree.

Detective Joe Friday [26:05]: "We found some kind of a brooch in it. A couple of watches taped to the underside of the kitchen sink."

Tracy's confession and the recovery of the jewels bring closure to the case, highlighting the persistence and teamwork of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Key Moments and Insights

1. Pawn Shop Connection: The pivotal moment when Max Murphy's nephew's oversight provides a vital clue, demonstrating the importance of attention to detail in investigations.

   Detective Ben Romero [07:27]: "He forgot."

2. Tracy's Defiance: Tracy's unwavering denial and confrontational attitude during interrogation underscore his arrogance and the challenges faced by detectives in extracting the truth.

   Walter Tracy [16:42]: "You got nothing on me."

3. Endurance of Detectives: The depiction of Friday and Romero's grueling physical search in extreme heat illustrates the sacrifices law enforcement officers make in the pursuit of justice.

   Detective Ben Romero [20:14]: "We couldn't even have the comfort of complaining."

4. Resolution through Teamwork: The successful recovery of stolen items through cooperative efforts between detectives, pawn shop owners, and informants highlights the collaborative nature of effective policing.

   Detective Joe Friday [26:05]: "We found some kind of a brooch in it."

Conclusion

"Sixteen Jewel Thieves" is a quintessential Dragnet episode that epitomizes the show's dedication to portraying realistic and procedural crime-solving. Through the tireless efforts of Detectives Friday and Romero, coupled with strategic collaboration with local businesses, the episode delivers a satisfying narrative arc from the initial surge of jewel thefts to the ultimate capture and conviction of the criminal mastermind. The inclusion of authentic police procedures and character-driven dialogue enriches the listening experience, making this episode a standout within the series.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Joe Friday [02:25]: "Sixteen nights in a row. He's picking up his pace."
• Detective Ben Romero [07:25]: "Here it is. That's him. Walter Tracy. 132 and a half. Blackstone Court, Los Angeles."
• Walter Tracy [16:05]: "You sound smart, you don't act it. And you're flying. Brian. Copper."
• Chief Ed Backstrand [19:02]: "We're not gonna send him up without finding the loot first. He's planted this stuff somewhere in this city."
• Detective Joe Friday [26:05]: "We found some kind of a brooch in it. A couple of watches taped to the underside of the kitchen sink."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the "Sixteen Jewel Thieves" episode, providing listeners—both new and familiar—with an engaging and comprehensive overview of the plot, characters, and pivotal moments that define this classic Dragnet production.

Transcript

[Styles Mackenzie]

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[Narrator]

Here is another image NBC's Great Parade of new shows.

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

NBC brings you Dragnet.

Detective Sergeant. You're assigned to burglary detail. A sudden wave of jewel thefts is sweeping the city. In 16 days, 16 burglaries have been committed. One each night. They bear the same trademark. Thousands of dollars of jewels are missing. The thief is a master at his trade. Your job. Get him.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Dragnet.

[Narrator]

The documented drama of an actual crime investigated and solved by the men who unrelentingly stand watch on the security of your family and your life. 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 Joe Friday]

It was Tuesday, June 17th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of burglary. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives. My name's Friday. I was on the way into work that morning and it was 7:53am when I got to room 45. Burglary detail.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Hi, Joe.

[Detective Joe Friday]

How are you? Walker?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Gonna be a scorcher out today.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, just like yesterday. Ben in yet?

[Detective Ben Romero]

I think he's over in communications, picking up the mail.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Thanks.

[Detective Ben Romero]

You guys been busy?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, kinda. Jewel thefts.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Anything big?

[Detective Joe Friday]

No, no big hauls. But he's consistent. Sixteen nights in a row.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Same guy?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Think so. Same M.O.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Yeah, everybody's got troubles. Gotta check some records. See you later, Joel.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Okay, Willie. Burglary Friday. Yeah. Okay, Mike. Soon as Ben gets back, he's picking up the mail. Right. Bye.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Hi, Joe.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Hi. Ben Hannon just called. Chief wants to see us.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Take a look at these first.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What do you got? Overnight reports?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Yeah, these two. Yeah, two of them.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Three diamond rings, one sapphire, one necklace, jade.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Big haul. Look at the other one.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ladies watch, diamond band, emerald bracelet, tourmaline brooch. What's tourmaline, Ben?

[Detective Ben Romero]

I don't know. Must be valuable. It's gone. Mm.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Let's see. Owner left house about 9pm returned about 1:30am found property gone, scratches on the door.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Probably using the cellophane method. Hasn't missed yet.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Two in one night. He's picking up his pace.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Must have a bag full of loot somewhere, whoever it is. You get the description sheets from pawn shop detail?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, I got them right here. You take half of them. Let's see what luck we got this morning. Nothing so far.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Me neither. I'll get it. Joe Burglar and Merrill.

[Max Murphy]

Hi, Ben.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Chief still wants to talk to you boys.

[Max Murphy]

He's got an appointment at 8:30.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Wants to see you before he leaves. Okay, Mike. Just checking some buy sheets. We're right in. Better make it fast. He's in a bad mood this morning. Okay, Mike. Thank you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Back strain again?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Yeah, he's in a bad mood. Come on. Wonder what's bothering him.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Something's bad. He doesn't blow very often.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Chief of Detective's office. Hannon. Go head in, boys. He's waiting. Thank you, Mike. All right, ma' am. I'll connect you Friday.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Romero, sit down. Wait till I get the phone back. Stranded. Oh, yes, Mrs. Winthrop. Yes, ma' am. We're doing all we can.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Yes, ma' am. Yes, ma' am.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Yes, I'll do that. Yes, ma' am. Goodbye.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Got trouble, Ed?

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Taxpayer. Mrs. Winthrop. You two ought to remember the name.

[Detective Ben Romero]

We do. Skip.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

10 days ago, somebody lifted $2,000 worth of diamonds from her bedroom while she was at the symphony. Last night she was hit again. Diamond watch, an emerald bracelet and some kind of a brooch tourmaline. I don't care what kind it was. It's gone. What's the pitch?

[Detective Ben Romero]

We just read a report a couple of minutes ago, Skipper. Could be a time with those other 16 jobs.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

16 jobs in 16 days. You haven't got a lead on the thief yet?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Nothing shows up. No prints, nothing.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

What about the pawn shops?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Nobody's tried to soak any hot stuff as far as we know. We double check the detail. We got every hock shop in town on the alert.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Whoever it is, they've got to try to pawn the stuff sometime. Unless they're going to give diamond rings for Christmas presents.

[Detective Ben Romero]

They haven't tried the pawn shops yet, Skipper. We sure have. Look.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

16 burglaries in 16 deaths. Jewels and watches. Good ones. That's gotta stop. It's gotta stop soon, you understand?

[Detective Joe Friday]

We'll stay right on top of It, Ed, we're doing all we can.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

For two weeks, I've had half a dozen women calling me every day. Society women. Some of them figured they should get extra treatment.

[Detective Ben Romero]

They're only doctor numbers to us, Skipper. They all get the same attention.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

I'll try and explain that to some of them. They think you're in on the racket. Maybe you boys would like to take these calls some morning.

[Detective Joe Friday]

No, thanks, Ed.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

All right, then, let's get some action. Keep the pawn shop operators on their toes and get after every known fence in town. That's all. I've got an appointment.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, Ed. Check you later.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Holding a call for you, Ben. Thank you. Hello? Oh, hi, Max. What? Well, hold it. Be right down. First break. Joe, what do you got? Necklace and a watch. Both of them on the stolen property list. Where? Henry's Pawn Shop, 5th and Main.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Six minutes later, at 8:25am Ben and I drove up in front of Henry's Square. Deal Pawn Shop. Quick cash, no red tape. Watches bought and sold. The proprietor was Max Murphy, an old friend of Ben's.

[Max Murphy]

Well, pal, of all days, it had to happen yesterday. Took the day off and went fishing up at Big Bear. I left my nephew in charge, Harry. A real knothead, that kid.

[Detective Joe Friday]

How do you mean, Max?

[Max Murphy]

Joe, if I told him once, I told him one hundred and once. Whatever you do, whatever they come in with to hock, check it with the list. Check it with the stolen property list. What does he do?

[Detective Ben Romero]

He forgot.

[Max Murphy]

He forgot. Oh, a real knothead, that boy.

[Detective Joe Friday]

How old is he, Max?

[Max Murphy]

32. A real knothead. I checked the slips from yesterday. Then I checked the stolen property list. There it is. Hot stuff.

[Detective Joe Friday]

When the stuff come in, Max, do.

[Max Murphy]

You know about 4 o' clock yesterday afternoon?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Can we look at it?

[Max Murphy]

Oh, sure. Back here behind the car. There it is.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Did you check out the serial numbers on the watch yet, Max?

[Max Murphy]

When I found out, yes, they match.

[Detective Joe Friday]

To a T. All right, let's see. Yeah. Description on this necklace matches too. Let's have a look at your buy book, huh, Max?

[Max Murphy]

Yes, sir, Joe. Here you are. There's a deal right there.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Here?

[Max Murphy]

Yeah, that's him. That's how he gave his name.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Walter Tracy. 132 and a half. Blackstone Court, Los Angeles.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Let me check the book for the description, Max.

[Max Murphy]

Oh, sure. Yeah.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Here.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Okay, Max. Thanks. We'll be checking with you later.

[Max Murphy]

Sure, Joe, anytime. Sorry.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right, Max. See you later.

[Max Murphy]

You fellas take it easy.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Right. Want to check and see if we clear, Joe?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, I will. 80K to Control One Eight. Okay to Control One. A week later.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Control One to 80K, standby.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Good lead, Joe. Got a description in here.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, it's too bad Max's nephew had to slip up.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Control 1 to 80K. Call your office immediately. Call your office immediately. KMAT.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Wonder what that's about.

[Detective Ben Romero]

No, no, I'll call in.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You got some change?

[Detective Ben Romero]

I'll use Max's phone. Use your phone a minute, Mac.

[Max Murphy]

Oh, you Ben? Sure, help yourself.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Thank you. City Hall, 2524.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

2524.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Burglary. Levine. This is Ben George. You got something odd one Universal Loan Shop, sixth in Barton Place. Guy just took in a couple of rings. He checked too late. What you mean he checked? The form after the guy left. It was signed Walter Tracy. There they are, Sergeant. Both rings. Fine quality diamonds. Don't you usually check your stolen goods list before you take in stuff like this?

[Max Murphy]

Usually, yes.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Last night, no. I don't know what I was thinking about.

[Detective Joe Friday]

We have a look at your buy book right here.

[Detective Ben Romero]

There it is. Walter Tracy, 699 Olive St. 145 pounds.

[Max Murphy]

5 foot 9, dark hair, build thin.

[Detective Joe Friday]

We'll have to slap a hold on these rings.

[Detective Ben Romero]

I know.

[Max Murphy]

I should have thought.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Can you think of anything else that might help us to identify the man?

[Max Murphy]

Well, no.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Had a light suit on, nice cut, very well dressed. Thank you. That's all for now. Here's a card.

[Detective Joe Friday]

If the guy happens to drop back, give us a call, will you?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Sure will, Sergeant.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Say, yeah?

[Detective Ben Romero]

I've got some nice watch bands. Yours look old. Can I interest you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

No, thanks. Some other time. Come on, Ben. That afternoon and the following morning, despite our alert and our warnings, two more pawn shops called in with reports of stolen watches taken in. We checked them out. The serial numbers on the watches matched those on the stolen property list on the pawn shop account books. The loan was listed under the name Walter Tracy. The addresses were given as number 12St. Vincent Place and 700 East Flower. The descriptions of the man were the same. Slight build, well dressed, about 145 pounds, 5ft 9 inches tall, dark wavy hair. We had the name and description distributed to every pawn shop in Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Through our informants, we checked up on every known fence in the city. For the next two nights, we received no reports of stolen jewels. That made up for the double burglary the night before. On June 19th. The box score read 18 successive nights. 18 successive jewel burglaries. At 3:25 in the afternoon, Ben and I sat down to check over the late Incoming reports.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Got anything, Jill?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Not yet, no.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Nothing here. Maybe the guys left town.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Nope. No such luck. Take a look.

[Detective Ben Romero]

That's it. Number 19. He may set a record.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, he's making monkeys out of us, isn't he?

[Walter Tracy]

Look.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Man's watch. Ladies watch. Chinese amber necklace, diamond shirt, studs, and a bracelet with two large rubies.

[Detective Ben Romero]

He's getting ambitious. How's the value listing?

[Detective Joe Friday]

I see $1,800, one haul. I'll get it. Burglary, Friday. Yeah.

[Detective Ben Romero]

What?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah. Be right down. Stall him. Let's go, Ben.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Where?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Kaplan's down in east second. Walter Tracy's in there now trying to hock a gold. Ben, cover the door. I'll look like I'm shopping around.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Right, but watch your step. We don't know this guy.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah. Stay close to the door, huh?

[Detective Ben Romero]

I'm sorry. That's the best we can do on the watch.

[Walter Tracy]

Look, Mac, this is gold. 21 jewels.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Well, it's the best I can do.

[Walter Tracy]

Ah, drop dead.

[Max Murphy]

What's the best I can do? Don't get sore.

[Walter Tracy]

Yeah, sure. See you later.

[Detective Ben Romero]

That's him.

[Walter Tracy]

Sergeant Wallet Tracy.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I stalled him as long as I could. All right, I'll check back with you later. Did you spot the guy that just came out?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Yeah, I went up straight.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Let's follow him. Hustle it. Spot him, Ben.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Straight ahead, about 15 yards. He's crossing the street. Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Let's get up a little closer.

[Detective Ben Romero]

We'll lose him. Sure, if the light changes.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Come on, run for it. What's the traffic light?

[Detective Ben Romero]

That was close.

[Detective Joe Friday]

He might have spotted us as going faster.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Come on, Joe, run.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah. Don't lose them.

[Detective Ben Romero]

This crowd's not helping.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Hey.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Hey, wait a minute. I bet you're a cop. You're chasing somebody.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Let go. My arm. Mister, let go.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Well, you don't have to get tough.

[Max Murphy]

Blazy cops.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Take the owner street. I'm going to write the mayor's off. Come on, Joe. He's running for.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, I see him. Watch the signal up ahead.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Hurry, Joe. Almost up to me.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Into the parking lot.

[Max Murphy]

Hey, you.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Stop. Look out, Joe, a gun. Get away.

[Narrator]

Get away.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Smart guy. Nice job.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah. He's too fast for an honest man. Let's take him in. When we got back to headquarters, Walter Tracy was under technical arrest. We took him directly to the interrogation room. We searched him thoroughly. We had him take everything out of his pockets and put it on the table. Then we had him take all the money he had in his wallet, count it out and hold it in his hand.

[Walter Tracy]

What is all this routine.

[Detective Joe Friday]

That's all the money you have on you? $47.17, right?

[Walter Tracy]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Okay. Keep it in your hand, Ben. Shake him down.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right, Tracy. Take off your coat, shirt, tie, and your shoes and socks.

[Walter Tracy]

What kind of a pitch is this? I'm no hood.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Take them all.

[Walter Tracy]

Two bit cops. You're not pinning anything on me. I don't care what you do.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Sleeves, pockets, lining. Nothing in the coat. Joe, get his shirt.

[Walter Tracy]

Take it light with the threads, huh? Costs money.

[Detective Joe Friday]

How about the trousers, Ben?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Let's see. Cuffs, pockets. No, let me get the belt.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Zipper on the inside of the belt.

[Detective Ben Romero]

No, it's clean. Shoes are okay. All right, Tracy, let's see the soles of your feet.

[Walter Tracy]

I hope you don't mind, they're dirty.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Why don't you take a shower? Let's see. All right, Joe. Nothing. Put your toes back on.

[Walter Tracy]

Yeah, thanks.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right, Shir.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What's your name?

[Walter Tracy]

Huh?

[Detective Joe Friday]

I said, what's your name?

[Walter Tracy]

You telling jokes? Walter. Tracy. You know that?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Your real name?

[Detective Joe Friday]

How old are you, Tracy?

[Walter Tracy]

27.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where do you live?

[Walter Tracy]

No place. Just got in town a couple of days ago.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where you from?

[Walter Tracy]

Salina, Kansas.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Where you been sleeping last two nights?

[Walter Tracy]

The park. Pershing Square.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Clothes don't show it. Pretty natty.

[Walter Tracy]

I had him pressed.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Where?

[Walter Tracy]

Down by the square. I don't remember.

[Detective Ben Romero]

You ever been arrested before?

[Walter Tracy]

No.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where'd you get this gun, Tracy? The one you pulled on us.

[Walter Tracy]

I didn't know who you were. Could have been a couple of hoods. You kind of look like it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where'd you get the gun?

[Walter Tracy]

I won it in a crap game coming out on the train.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where'd you get the watch?

[Walter Tracy]

Graduation present.

[Detective Ben Romero]

You want to run a make on them, Joe? Packages by Expedia.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You were made to be rechargeable.

[Detective Ben Romero]

We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Expedia.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Made to travel.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah. I'll call him.

[Walter Tracy]

Go on, check. You can't prove a thing.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Pawn shop records.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Gilmore, Gil is Friday. Can you give me a make on a watch?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Sure, Joe.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Go ahead.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Time Master. Yellow gold man's wristwatch.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Case number 716-F23.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Right.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Movement number B351708.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Got it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Okay, now give me a make on this gun. Huh?32s and W automatic. Serial number 579461. Okay, call me back.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Right. What's your station number?

[Detective Joe Friday]

2572.

[Detective Ben Romero]

I'll ring you, Joe.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Thanks.

[Walter Tracy]

Having fun?

[Detective Joe Friday]

What'd you do with all those jewels you stole?

[Walter Tracy]

When do I get out of Here.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I don't think you're gonna get out.

[Walter Tracy]

You got nothing on me.

[Detective Ben Romero]

How tall are you?

[Walter Tracy]

Tracy, get your tape measure? Five, nine.

[Detective Ben Romero]

How much you weigh?

[Walter Tracy]

140. I'm 27. My name's Walter Tracy. I come from Salina. I've been in town two days and I don't know what you guys are talking about.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You sound smart, you don't act it.

[Walter Tracy]

And you're flying. Brian. Copper.

[Detective Ben Romero]

What'd you do with those jewels you stole?

[Walter Tracy]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What color are your eyes?

[Walter Tracy]

I don't know. I'm colorblind.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What color would you say your hair is?

[Walter Tracy]

You colorblind too.

[Detective Ben Romero]

You ever been arrested before?

[Walter Tracy]

Straighten out. He asked me that.

[Detective Ben Romero]

I'm asking you.

[Walter Tracy]

No.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You ever done any big time?

[Walter Tracy]

No.

[Max Murphy]

All right.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I don't care if you level with us or not. We're gonna make you on those prowl jobs, all 19 of them.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Sure, sure.

[Walter Tracy]

You guys are smart.

[Detective Ben Romero]

You got in Los Angeles two days ago. Is that right?

[Walter Tracy]

Yeah.

[Detective Ben Romero]

You don't know anything about any jewel thefts?

[Walter Tracy]

That's what I said.

[Detective Ben Romero]

And how come your name and your handwriting's on the account books and four pawn shops in Los Angeles, not mine?

[Walter Tracy]

You can't prove it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

We can, Tracy, come clean. What'd you do with the stuff you stole from 1250 Moraga Drive, June 5?

[Walter Tracy]

I didn't steal any stuff.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What'd you do with the rings and watches? You took them from. From 1400 Placerville Road, June 9th.

[Walter Tracy]

I wasn't in town.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What'd you do with the diamond dress pins you stole? June 13th. 123 South Van Ness.

[Walter Tracy]

Did I do that?

[Detective Joe Friday]

You're not only kinky, you're a bad liar.

[Detective Ben Romero]

You prove it, Gord, or get you a saw Buck. Your prints bounced.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Resi Our handwriting Man's gone to work on those signatures of yours. You haven't got a chance. Now, come on. Where'd you hide this stuff?

[Walter Tracy]

You can't prove a thing.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Where'd you say you've been sleeping the last two nights?

[Walter Tracy]

In the park? Pershing Square. You want a map?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Clothes sure look nice.

[Walter Tracy]

I said I had him pressed.

[Detective Joe Friday]

But you can't remember where?

[Walter Tracy]

No, I can't remember where. That a crime?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Friday talking.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Joe, this is Gilmore. Here's the stuff you asked for.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Let's have it, Gil.

[Detective Ben Romero]

No make on the watch, no make on the gun.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Okay, Gil. Thanks a lot.

[Walter Tracy]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You're in up your neck.

[Walter Tracy]

You said that, didn't you?

[Detective Ben Romero]

You're gonna talk Drayson. Kind of tired.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, we'll let you sleep on it. Come on, Ben, let's book him.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right.

[Walter Tracy]

I'll get your jobs, coppers.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Sure. Come on. We took Walter Tracy to the county jail and had him booked on suspicion of burglary. He was still sullen. We knew we had the guilty man. Now we had to prove it. As it often happens, the victims never see the burglar. They only know he's been there. They can't identify him, but they can identify their property. Our job was to find the property. When we did, we'd have Walter tracy. And the 19 victims would have their property returned. But Tracy wasn't talking. We knew he'd never talk unless he thought it might help him. We took the problem to Ed Backstrand.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Smart punk, Skipper. But he's done time before.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

How do you know?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Tried him out last night when we brought him in. He talks like it and he acts.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Like it, but he won't cop out. Are you sure?

[Detective Ben Romero]

He won't talk in a hundred years. He knows he's got us in the spot.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

One thing's sure. We're not gonna send him up without finding the loot first. He's planted this stuff somewhere in this city. We've gotta find it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ben and I have got an idea. Ed. It's not gonna be easy, but it might work.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

When is it?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Tracy tried to soak some of the stolen property at four separate pawn shops in the downtown area.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

At each one of those four pawn shops, he gave a local address. Now, we're sure he must have a room or an apartment someplace in town.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

All right.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Well, that's where guesswork comes in, Skipper. Every one of those addresses he gave falls within a certain area.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

How big an area?

[Detective Ben Romero]

You got that street diagram, Joe?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, here it is. And from Figueroa here to San Pedro and from pico down to First Street. Area's about 12 blocks wide, 14 blocks long.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

That's a lot of territory. How are you gonna cover it?

[Detective Joe Friday]

On foot? We'll take Tracy with us.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Plenty of legwork. You sure it's the answer?

[Detective Ben Romero]

We got to find the stuff, and it's the only way we can figure it.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Hotels, apartments, rooming houses. There must be hundreds of places you could stay in that territory. It'll take a couple of weeks.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, on foot it will.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

All right, it's tough, but it's your idea. Go to it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

An hour after we left Chief Backstrand, we got Tracy out of his cell in the county jail and started our Canvass of the appointed area. We took the usual precautions. And handcuffed Tracy's wrists to our own. We started the search for his hideout at first street in Figueroa. It was a warm day in Los Angeles. The temperature was 91. After the first three hours, I could tell Ben's feet were ready to give out. And so were mine. We couldn't even have the comfort of complaining. That had encouraged Tracy, and he was cocky enough already. He cursed and threatened every step of the way.

[Walter Tracy]

All right, quit pulling, will you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Come on, Tracy. Up the stairs. Another one to check.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Warm day, Joe? Yeah, a little.

[Walter Tracy]

What do you mean, a little? Must be 110.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Yes, what is it?

[Detective Ben Romero]

You're the manager?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Yes.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Could you tell me which apartment this man has in your house? Ma' am?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Who, him?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am, this one.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Never saw him before. He don't live here.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right, ma' am. Thank you.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Yeah. Hard, ain't it?

[Walter Tracy]

When are you gonna get wise?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Come on, Tracy.

[Detective Ben Romero]

That finishes this side of the street. You want to cross over, Joe?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, let's go.

[Walter Tracy]

I'm hungry. I want to eat.

[Detective Joe Friday]

After we cover the other side of the street.

[Walter Tracy]

You can't do this to me. I'm gonna get a lawyer. I'll have your jobs. Both of you?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Yeah. Come on. We only got a couple of hundred places to go.

[Max Murphy]

Hi, Jants. What can I do for you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

You the manager?

[Max Murphy]

I run the place. Yeah?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Which room does this man have in your place?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Him?

[Max Murphy]

You made a mistake. He doesn't live here.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right. Thanks.

[Walter Tracy]

My feet are killing me. Wait till I get a lawyer. I'll burn both you dumb cops. What do you think you're doing?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Anyway, all that day, and the day after that, and the day after that, Ben and I, with Tracy handcuffed to our wrist, Canvassed the designated areas. From hotel to hotel. From rooming house to rooming house and the apartments to. Every day our feet ached a little more. Our pace slowed down. Tracy got more irritable, and the weather got hotter. The second day, it reached a high of 92. The third day, 94. The fourth day, 94. Police regulations say plain clothes officers. Must wear a coat and necktie on the street at all times. We wore our coats and neckties. The search continued into the fifth day. Our pace got even slower. Ben and I started to look. After a while, we forgot our object was to recover the stolen jewels. All we wanted was to find Tracy's hideout. We knew we were right. We knew Tracy was our man. It was a point of pride. Whether your feet hurt or not, you don't give in to a thief.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Yes? What do you want?

[Detective Ben Romero]

You the landlady here?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

I am.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Which apartment does this man have in the building?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Well, none of them. He's not one of my tenants.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Thank you, ma' am. Come on, Tracy.

[Detective Joe Friday]

By the sixth day, all three of us had special pads in our shoes. Our feet ached worse than ever. Tracy let us know about his every three minutes. By late afternoon of the sixth day, we'd covered more than half of the designated area. The temperature was 95.

[Walter Tracy]

You guys gonna go on forever? I'm sweating like a horse.

[Detective Ben Romero]

I'm getting tired of your moaning.

[Detective Joe Friday]

That looks like the manager behind the desk.

[Max Murphy]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You're the manager? Yes, sir. What can I do for you? Can you tell us which room this man has in the hotel?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Him?

[Max Murphy]

He doesn't live here.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Hey, you fellas look awfully warm.

[Max Murphy]

Like to cool off in the lobby? We're air conditioned.

[Detective Joe Friday]

No, thanks.

[Walter Tracy]

I'm hungry. When do we eat?

[Detective Ben Romero]

You're always hungry.

[Walter Tracy]

You got the biggest mouth on a cop I ever saw.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, then.

[Walter Tracy]

Yeah, I'm hungry. I want to eat now. Wait till I give this story to the papers. Mistreating innocent guys.

[Detective Ben Romero]

They'll break you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, come on up the stairs.

[Walter Tracy]

I'm gonna get a lawyer tonight. I'll show you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Why, Mr. Baker, where have you been?

[Detective Joe Friday]

We questioned the landlady, a Miss Elizabeth Hunter. She told us that Baker, alias Tracy, had rented an apartment from her about two months before. That's all the information she could give us. Tracy clammed up. He would admit nothing. We asked Miss Hunter to accompany us as a witness. We took the elevator up to Tracy's apartment on the sixth floor. Ms. Hunter, Tracy, Ben and I.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Down this way.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Here.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Do you want me to open it?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Please, Ms. Honor. What?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

There's a girl. Walter, what is it? Walter?

[Walter Tracy]

I told you to get out of town. If I didn't come back.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave without you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I thought you slept in the park.

[Walter Tracy]

Ah, take a jump.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Where's the stuff hidden?

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, Ben, handcuff him to a chair. The girl behind him. We'll find the stuff ourselves.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right, Tracy. All right, you're next.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

I haven't done anything either, so you can't prove it.

[Walter Tracy]

Billy, shut up.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Thanks, buddy. No talking between you two fears. We'll separate you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, Ben, you take the living room here. I'll dry the kitchen and get a window open. It's hot in here.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Sergeant. You will be careful of the furniture?

[Detective Ben Romero]

Yes, ma' am.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

I had no idea you. Mr. Baker, of all people.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Don't talk to him, please, ma' am.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Oh, yes.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Tin cup, why don't you spail.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ben, look, it's only the beginning. He's got the stuff scattered seven ways for Sunday. We're gonna need help.

[Detective Ben Romero]

In the milk bottle.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah. Two rings, three loose diamonds and this bottle of mayonnaise. We found some kind of a brooch in it. A couple of watches taped to the underside of the kitchen sink.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right. You convinced?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Okay, Ben. Call back. Strand. There was a definite possibility that Walter Baker, alias Tracy, had stored some of his stolen loot outside his apartment. We stood little chance of ever recovering it unless we got him to break. Ben called Chief Backstrand and in 10 minutes he arrived at the apartment with another man from burglary detail, George Levine. Together we went over the four room apartment foot by foot. We found jewelry, watches, loose stones in every conceivable place. In cartons of cottage cheese, in jars of cold cream, in the garbage can, everywhere.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Who's your girlfriend? All right, I'll ask her. What's your name? I said, what is your name?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Billy. Billy Crawford. He didn't do anything. He didn't.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, Billy, maybe you can tell us. Where's the rest of the stuff he stole?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

He didn't steal. He didn't steal anything.

[Walter Tracy]

Billy. Shut up.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Keep quiet, Hume.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ed, wait a minute.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

What?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Just a minute. I want to look over here.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Papers taped to the underside of that top drawer.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

What is it?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Franny? No, no, you can't. You can't look at these.

[Walter Tracy]

All right, you found them. I'll talk.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

No, Walter, don't.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Parole papers. He's an ex con.

[Walter Tracy]

Yeah, I'll cop out.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Don't do it, Walter.

[Walter Tracy]

Billy, shut up. Dumb dame.

[Detective Joe Friday]

The rest of the stuff, where is it?

[Walter Tracy]

On the roof, inside the ventilator, the one near the front. You'll find a couple of paper bags. That's it.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Levine.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Got it, Chief. I'll check it.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Your papers say you did time in Oregon.

[Detective Ben Romero]

What for?

[Walter Tracy]

Fell for robbery. Did five. I owe him seven.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What about the girl, Walter?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

I'm going with you.

[Walter Tracy]

Her? I don't know. You figure it.

[Detective Ben Romero]

All right.

[Chief Ed Backstrand]

Friday, Romero, take the girl to Lincoln Heights and book her. We'll take him.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Right, Ed. Come on, Ben.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

No, no, Walter, I want to go with you.

[Detective Ben Romero]

I'm sorry, ma' am. This way out.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right. Easy, lady.

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

Oh, wait a minute. Just a minute, Walter.

[Walter Tracy]

You're a dumb damn, Billy. So long, Walter.

[Detective Ben Romero]

Mark. Come on, let's go. What's the matter? You feel all right?

[Landlady Elizabeth Hunter]

He lied. He said he loved me. He lied to me.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Don't feel hurt, lady. He lied to everybody.

[Narrator]

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

Walter Baker, alias Walter Tracy. Was tried and convicted on three counts of first degree burglary. And received the maximum sentence prescribed by law. He is now serving out his term in the state penitentiary. A hold has been placed on him by the state of Oregon. Where he will serve out seven years for violation of parole. Billy Crawford, Baker's accomplice, was tried and convicted of receiving stolen property. And is now serving time in the state penitentiary for women. You have just heard the 11th in a new series of authentic cases transcribed from official police files. Technical advice for Dragnet is furnished by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Tonight's program is dedicated to Warden Clarence A. Larkin of Folsom Prison, Sacramento. Who on the evening of September 24, 1937, gave his life so that yours might be more secure.

Dragnet came to you from Los Angeles. If you enjoyed tonight's production of Dragnet. You'll want to listen this Saturday evening to a pair of adventure shows. Featuring two well known Hollywood personalities. You'll enjoy Brian Donlevy, star of Dangerous Assignment. Also on Saturday's schedule is Richard diamond, private detective. As played by the screen's romantic tough guy, Dick Powell. Listen to both of these exciting programs this Saturday over most of these same NBC stations. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.