Dragnet: The Big Drills (EP4763)

Summary

Episode Summary: Dragnet: The Big Drills (EP4763)

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
Host: Adam Graham
Episode Title: Dragnet: The Big Drills
Release Date: July 24, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, part of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio series hosted by Adam Graham, listeners are taken back to the Golden Age of Radio to follow Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Ben Romero as they navigate the complexities of a persistent burglary case targeting Wilson Brothers Markets across Los Angeles. This detailed narrative not only showcases the procedural aspects of police work but also delves into the psychological strain it places on the detectives involved.

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The Investigation Begins

The episode kicks off on a hot Wednesday morning, September 16th, in Los Angeles, where Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero are entrenched in an 18-week investigation targeting a gang responsible for burglarizing numerous Wilson Brothers Markets. These sophisticated criminals have siphoned over $100,000 from stores, evading capture despite substantial police efforts.

Joe Friday [06:17]: "For 18 weeks, Ben and I had been assigned to this same case."

The detectives share their frustrations over the inefficiency of their stakeouts, with over 252 officers deployed but still no leads.

Joe Friday [05:26]: "Our stakeouts are doing a lot of good, aren't they?"

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Stakeouts and Emerging Leads

Despite meticulous surveillance, Friday and Romero struggle to pinpoint the gang's operations. The detectives analyze patterns, such as the consistent method of entry—a tire iron prying open doors—and the meticulous approach the burglars employ to avoid detection.

Captain Wisdom [06:44]: "We found a few particles of cloth, probably from the guy's gloves. Some metal shavings for spectrographical analysis."

The complexity of the case deepens when a witness, Mrs. Olive Rebar, comes forward, claiming to have seen two of the burglars operating inside the store. However, her inability to accurately identify the suspects from a lineup of photographs poses a significant hurdle.

Mrs. Olive Rebar [15:02]: "I see it. No, no, none of these."

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Breakthrough Through Persistence

Frustration mounts as initial leads fizzle out, but the persistence of Friday and Romero pays off when a critical break emerges from intercepted letters. These correspondences reveal the gang's internal communications, exposing Clyde R. Bingham's involvement and leading to the arrest of Wilfred Lawson and Thomas Greenfield.

Captain Wisdom [25:09]: "Client says to tell you he's not sure anymore. Ever since that mix-up, him and Walt and Benny decided this was the best way to play it."

The detectives' strategic decision to release Greenfield under close surveillance results in the gang's complacency, allowing for their eventual capture.

Joe Friday [19:03]: "I don't think we've overlooked anything, Captain."

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Trial and Justice Served

The episode culminates in the Superior Court of Los Angeles, where Lawson, Bingham, and Greenfield are charged with multiple counts of second-degree burglary. Despite the sophisticated methods employed by the burglars, the diligent work of Friday and Romero ensures that justice is served.

Narrator [26:12]: "Wilford G. Lawson was filed on for 12 counts. Clyde R. Bingham for six counts. Thomas L. Greenfield for three counts. Sentences to run consecutively."

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Host's Insights and Reflections

After the dramatization, Adam Graham provides thoughtful commentary on the episode, highlighting the intricate balance between meticulous investigative work and the unpredictable nature of criminal behavior. He empathizes with the witness's difficulty in identification, underscoring the human elements that complicate law enforcement efforts.

Adam Graham [27:03]: "This one was an episode that, when you get right down to it, was about the challenge of conducting an investigation."

Graham also shares listener feedback, drawing parallels between Detective Friday's stoicism and characters like Batman, emphasizing the dedication required in police work.

Listener Comment [30:15]: "Joe and his mom must be a blast at parties. Well, I would say that it is possible to be very serious, but to also be able to lighten up and have a good time."

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Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday [06:17]: "For 18 weeks, Ben and I had been assigned to this same case."
• Captain Wisdom [06:44]: "We found a few particles of cloth, probably from the guy's gloves. Some metal shavings for spectrographical analysis."
• Mrs. Olive Rebar [15:02]: "I see it. No, no, none of these."
• Captain Wisdom [25:09]: "Client says to tell you he's not sure anymore. Ever since that mix-up, him and Walt and Benny decided this was the best way to play it."
• Narrator [26:12]: "Wilford G. Lawson was filed on for 12 counts. Clyde R. Bingham for six counts. Thomas L. Greenfield for three counts. Sentences to run consecutively."
• Adam Graham [27:03]: "This one was an episode that, when you get right down to it, was about the challenge of conducting an investigation."
• Listener Comment [30:15]: "Joe and his mom must be a blast at parties. Well, I would say that it is possible to be very serious, but to also be able to lighten up and have a good time."

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Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Drills" serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement, illustrating the procedural challenges and the personal toll such investigations can take on detectives. Through detailed storytelling and authentic dialogues, the episode offers listeners an immersive experience into the world of old-time radio detective dramas.

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage with the podcast community through various platforms, ensuring that the legacy of these classic detective stories continues to captivate new audiences.

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If you enjoyed this summary, consider subscribing to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform to catch daily mystery dramas and more insightful analyses from host Adam Graham.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. But first, I want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. And you can support the show on a one time basis by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, Idaho, 83715. But now, here is the 100th radio episode of Dragnet from May 10, 1951. The big drills.

[Narrator]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a burglary detail. For the past 18 weeks, a gang of safe men have been breaking into large grocery stores all over the city. They work fast. You can't localize their operations. Your job, get them.

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.

[Joe Friday]

It was Wednesday. September 16th. Was hot in Los Angeles. We're working the day Watch out of burglary detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Wisdom. My name's Friday. It was 7:45am When I got to the service station on the corner. The phone booth. 2524, please.

[Ben Romero]

Burglary rubles. Hi, Dick.

[Joe Friday]

This is Friday Romero. There.

[Ben Romero]

Hold on, Joe. Thank you.

[Captain Wisdom]

Hey, Romero, Take two.

[Officer Rubles]

Romero.

[Joe Friday]

This Friday, Ben?

[Officer Rubles]

Yeah. Where you been?

[Joe Friday]

Wow, my car again. Something's wrong with that distributor. I'm gonna leave it at the service station. I'll grab a streetcar.

[Ben Romero]

Down, huh?

[Officer Rubles]

Hit again, Joe. This one makes 37 job.

[Joe Friday]

Where at this time, Wilson Brothers marketed.

[Officer Rubles]

Melrose and Green, drilled a safe and walked out with $462.

[Joe Friday]

Well, our stakeouts are doing a lot of good, aren't they? I'm worn out from last night.

[Officer Rubles]

I didn't get any sleep either. Just had time to go home, brush my teeth when this thing broke.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

You said Melrose and Green?

[Officer Rubles]

Yeah, that's right. I won't wait for you. I'll go right on out there.

[Ben Romero]

Armstrong and Ruble just left, right?

[Joe Friday]

I can get over there as fast As I can.

[Officer Rubles]

Old man was down here bright and early. Things are jumping.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, I'll see you later, huh?

[Officer Rubles]

Oh, Joe. Just a minute.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah?

[Officer Rubles]

Skipper just came in.

[Captain Wisdom]

Who you got on the other end there? Friday anywhere to Melrose and Green?

[Officer Rubles]

That's right.

[Captain Wisdom]

The minute you get back, I want to see you two in my office.

[Officer Rubles]

Right. I guess you heard it.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I did.

[Officer Rubles]

Guess you could tell from the tone of his voice.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Sounds a little upset.

[Ben Romero]

How's he look?

[Officer Rubles]

Same way.

[Joe Friday]

For 18 weeks, Ben and I had been assigned to this same case. The burglary gang was victimizing only Wilson Brothers Market throughout the city and in surrounding towns adjacent to the city of Los Angeles. Their criminal activities had given them well over $100,000 stolen from these various markets. Additional officers were assigned from the Metropolitan division and the case had grown to large proportions. It was 12 minutes past 8 when I arrived at Melrose and Green streets. The latest Wilson Market to be victimized.

[Ben Romero]

Same thing, Joe, Just like all the rest. Same. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

The crime lab find anything?

[Ben Romero]

Been here and gone. We found a few particles of cloth, probably from the guy's gloves. Some metal shavings for spectrographical analysis. Same as on all the other jobs.

[Joe Friday]

How they gain entry?

[Ben Romero]

Same way around front. Looks like a tire iron. Pride the door open.

[Joe Friday]

How about the Burger airline?

[Ben Romero]

No problem. There's a ladder. Climb up and take a look. Yeah. See it?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I see it.

[Ben Romero]

Cut the key.

[Joe Friday]

Leaves again, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Nothing's different, Joe. Just exactly the same all around.

[Joe Friday]

Not really cares it, doesn't it? Yeah. 252 men on stakeout last night and they know just which market to hit. One that isn't covered when you figure.

[Ben Romero]

Wilson's got over 300 stores, we can't cover them all.

[Joe Friday]

I think we might have some of the luck.

[Ben Romero]

We're sure overdue. Nobody could be this lucky this long.

[Joe Friday]

Now they're out to break the record. Haven't turned up anything new at all.

[Ben Romero]

Not so fool. I've been looking around. Come on.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, all right. Rubles and Armstrong in the store?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, they're checking the back of the store. Stock room, employees, locker room.

[Joe Friday]

And how much was taken?

[Ben Romero]

Told you on the phone, $462. Some checks about $200 worth.

[Joe Friday]

Well, this is Wednesday. I suppose the thieves have discontinued the weekend jobs.

[Ben Romero]

I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine. Here's the bug. Yeah, sure.

[Joe Friday]

Good clean job. A lot different than those first ones, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, they've come a long way.

[Joe Friday]

The safe was certainly well lighted, wasn't.

[Ben Romero]

It 200 watt bulb up there still burning when we got here.

[Joe Friday]

Doesn't do much good with all those boxes piled up over there in front of the window, though.

[Ben Romero]

Manager says he weren't there when he closed up last night.

[Joe Friday]

Nothing seems to bother him, does it? They move in, don't chance turning out the light. They just pile crates up between themselves and the street and then they take their time drilling the box.

[Ben Romero]

That's it. There's the usual empty pop bottle. Three of them.

[Joe Friday]

Cool the bits of it.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Captain Wisdom]

Hi, Friday.

[Ben Romero]

Didn't know you were here yet. Well, hello, Rubles. How are you? Yeah, but we got something. Yeah, fish these out of the drain in the bathroom. What do you got? Looks like they tried to get rid of them. Some of the checks torn up and.

[Clyde Bingham]

This fishing license written too.

[Joe Friday]

Could I see those? Charles W. Royal. Issued last month.

[Captain Wisdom]

Good chance he might have carried the.

[Ben Romero]

License in his pocket and got it.

[Captain Wisdom]

Mixed up with the checks first.

[Ben Romero]

Maybe he was going to take the checks but changed his mind. Tore him up. License with him. Let's hope you're right, Dick. But it might just belong to some employee here.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we've been kind of figuring these jobs might have an inside connection. Maybe this is it, huh?

[Captain Wisdom]

Let's check it out.

[Joe Friday]

Well, maybe this is the break we've been looking for. We went back to the office and checked the name Charles W. Royal through R and I. No record. We contacted the management of the Wilson Markets. He had been an employee at the store, which was just held up. He'd been transferred six months prior to their Van Nuys branch. In checking back, we found that the Van Nuys market was one of the first stores to be burglarized. It was placed under surveillance for several days. And during this period, another Wilson market was burglarized. The officers conducting a surveillance accounted for all of Royal's time during the burglary. He was brought in for questioning and cleared of any complicity in the burglaries. Monday, September 28, 8:00am we met with Captain Wisdom.

[Captain Wisdom]

The reason for Royal fishing license being in with those checks was because he left it behind at that store when he was transferred.

[Ben Romero]

That's right. Manager at the store confirmed it. Said he kept it in a safe form so it wouldn't get lost.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that lead went nowhere.

[Ben Romero]

None of them go anywhere.

[Captain Wisdom]

We don't get any leads.

[Ben Romero]

Been no kickbacks on any of our teletypes, APB's or radiogram between Armstrong, Rubles.

[Joe Friday]

And Ben and I. The girls in the stats office think we're on the payroll down there were wearing out the cards. Having to make runs on the gang's M.O. for us.

[Captain Wisdom]

How about that last stuff Burton from CII sent down?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we checked all three of them out. Nothing.

[Ben Romero]

Boys in the crime lab got a lot of physical evidence. If they could make something out of it.

[Captain Wisdom]

That's just it. You can't make something out of nothing. You haven't got much up there. A few steel shavings off those safes, couple of broken bits, handful of cotton fuzz they think is off the guy's gloves. Can't work miracles. Yeah, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

I don't think we've overlooked anything, Captain. Every neighborhood in the vicinity of every burglary has been checked and rechecked.

[Captain Wisdom]

And all you turned up was that one woman.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, the one that saw the three men out in back of the Wilson Market over on Vermont. She thought they worked there. Didn't know she'd witnessed a burglary. We told her.

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Captain Wisdom]

She couldn't identify any of them?

[Ben Romero]

No, she couldn't.

[Captain Wisdom]

I just checked with the sheriff's office. These burglaries are driving them crazy, too. No leads.

[Ben Romero]

Boys from the parole office been trying to give us a hand. We've checked out everything they sent us on discharge ease and parolees. Nothing fit.

[Captain Wisdom]

Well, did the market seem to be cooperating? Holding up their end as they were instructed?

[Joe Friday]

Well, as far as we can tell, right to the letter.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, all the safes that were concealed in any way have been moved out in a more conspicuous spot. All well illuminated.

[Joe Friday]

The Wilson Company has bought better made safes to replace the ones that were broken into. They're replacing their old models as fast as they can. Doesn't seem to stop them.

[Captain Wisdom]

Yeah, all that's according to the book. Doesn't figure. With all those precautions, they'd be foolish enough to tip off the thieves. Here, take a look at this.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Captain Wisdom]

Larson and Gunn turned this up at that Venice Boulevard job night before last.

[Joe Friday]

Mimeographed stakeout instructions.

[Captain Wisdom]

That's right. Put out by the management of the markets. Every time we informed them of a stakeout night, they put these inner store memos out. Yeah, that was for the purpose of informing all the different store managers of the police department's plan. So they'd be sure and comply with our instructions. Yeah, motor was okay, but the effects have been causing us more trouble than we know.

[Joe Friday]

Weren't these destroyed after the store managers read them?

[Captain Wisdom]

Apparently not. We notified the management of the stores to be staked out a week in advance. So that they could quietly let the stores know about it whether we wanted the lights left on or turned off to move the safe out of hiding. All the various instructions and the management.

[Ben Romero]

Of the market chain just took it on themselves to send out these memoed sheets, huh?

[Captain Wisdom]

Not only that, in checking the last couple of jobs, either these sheets were in the manager's desks or they were posted in the store someplace.

[Joe Friday]

All the thieves had to do was go through through a desk or check a bulletin board and hang him right.

[Ben Romero]

Where we'd be, huh?

[Captain Wisdom]

Without this advance information, maybe it'll slow him down. Maybe we can write in on part.

[Ben Romero]

Of the luck we're due. Yeah.

[Captain Wisdom]

Come on over here to the pin map. Hey, Friday.

[Ben Romero]

A red pin for you. One for you.

[Captain Wisdom]

Romero, you put them in. I got calluses on my thumb from trying to keep up with those thieves.

[Ben Romero]

Venice Boulevard and Rockwell for most. Marathon.

[Captain Wisdom]

Yeah, just look at him on there. They're gonna run us out of pins if we don't blow the whistle on them.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm getting a little sick of it myself.

[Captain Wisdom]

Take a good look at the map here. All the red pins of these market jobs in and around here and through here.

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Captain Wisdom]

As you know, Wilson's got stores throughout most of Southern California. Yeah, they've hid in and around the metropolitan area.

[Ben Romero]

Pomona, Glendale.

[Captain Wisdom]

A couple of times at the beach cities.

[Ben Romero]

Look over here. There's Eagle Rock.

[Captain Wisdom]

Yeah. Now for some reason, they're leaving Eagle Rock alone. There's seven Wilson markets out there. Not one of them have been touched.

[Joe Friday]

Well, maybe they'll hit there next, huh?

[Captain Wisdom]

We double checked all cruiser units out there. Told them to be doubly alert. Also to report any suspicious moves around any of the stores. I want to report on any and all cars driving below normal speeds anywhere near those markets, anything even remotely out of line. There's seven stores in and around that area. Excuse me.

[Ben Romero]

Burglary.

[Captain Wisdom]

Where's the high boy? Who's that? They did Colorado and Bryce. Yeah, right away. Yeah, that was Lieutenant Vaughan, Highland Park. I was wrong. There's only six stores in Eagle Rock now. What do you mean they knocked one over last night?

[Joe Friday]

The preliminary investigation of the Wilson Brothers Market in Eagle Rock yielded no additional physical evidence. But it definitely showed that we were dealing with the same gang of thieves. In this last burglary, they got away with eighteen hundred and fifty two dollars. 1:34pm after five hours of continuous checking in the immediate neighborhood of the latest market to be burglarized, Ben and I located a Mrs. Olive Rebar we felt sure that we'd reached a turning point in the case. Mrs. Rebard had seen two of the gang members at work in the Wilson Market at Colorado and Bryce in Eagle Rock. She agreed to come downtown and go through photographs of criminal suspects.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

No, no, not any of these.

[Ben Romero]

Let's try the next two pages.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Certainly are. A lot of them aren't just.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Ben Romero]

Am.

[Joe Friday]

There's still a lot more to go here.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

I see it. No, no, none of these.

[Ben Romero]

That finishes this book.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

How many does that make? That we've been through?

[Ben Romero]

I believe this one makes 15.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Looking at all those faces makes you wonder, are there any honest people?

[Joe Friday]

Well, these books represent an accumulation of many years, you understand?

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

You keep pictures of everybody. Ever been in prison?

[Joe Friday]

Well, within our jurisdiction, yes, and a great many more besides.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

I see.

[Joe Friday]

Ben, how about that Folsom book up there for 45 and 46?

[Ben Romero]

Right. I'll put this one back.

[Joe Friday]

Fine. 46.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's it. Right. Here we are. You ready, Mrs. Rebar?

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

All right. No, no, I don't believe it's any of the.

[Joe Friday]

All right, turn the next page.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

There.

[Ben Romero]

How about these?

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

No. This one. No, no, that one fellow looked a little like one of them. I thought he did it first.

[Joe Friday]

Which one was that?

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

This one. No, I was wrong. He looked familiar at first glance.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now, we told you before, Ms. Reebard, if any of these men, their ears, eyes, nose, chin, any part of them looks like any part of the men that you saw, we'd like to know that. We'll have our Sergeant Puttoff up in our crime lab drop a composite for you.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

You mean, you put all the different features together?

[Ben Romero]

Yes, ma'. Am. You think it might help in any way? I mean, it'll certainly help us.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

I didn't realize that you were that thorough.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, we have to be.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Well, I'm just not that sure about any of their features. Just like I told you. I didn't get too good a look at them, but I thought I might. Remember, there's so many pictures here.

[Joe Friday]

Would you like to rest a little while, Ms. Rebar? We've been going at this thing for about two hours now.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

No, that's all right. Now, I want to help if I can.

[Ben Romero]

I think I'll open this door a little, Joe. All right. Put a little draft in from the hall. Get your little stuffing in here sometime.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

I wonder if you'd like a cold.

[Ben Romero]

Drink of some kind.

[Captain Wisdom]

Coke, something like that?

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

No, thank you. That's very kind. I don't care for one.

[Officer Rubles]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Would you like to go on?

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Yes, I think so.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

No, you understand that when I saw these men in the store. I had to look through the front window. They must have been at least 40ft away from me. I had a shout to be heard.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma', am, we understand.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

They didn't come over to me at all. I just can't believe that they were really those Lightning burglars. Isn't that what the people call them?

[Ben Romero]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

They were just as big as life. They were standing behind the meat counter. They even had on the butcher's apron. Still hard to believe they didn't act like burglars at all.

[Ben Romero]

Sometimes they don't.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

The only thing that struck me funny was that anybody would be working there on a Sunday. I've seen men in there before. It just didn't seem right that they'd be working there. I wanted to get in to pick up a box of starch. They told me to come back Monday morning when they were open.

[Joe Friday]

Well, if you could have seen over the counter from where you were standing. You would have seen the floor safe right there in the meat department. They were trying to open it.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Never would have known it. You're sure you people couldn't have made a mistake?

[Ben Romero]

No, ma', am, I don't think so. We've checked there and there was no authorized employees in that store yesterday morning.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Must have been then.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we're pretty sure it was.

[Ben Romero]

And let me help you there, Mrs. Rebar. These pages are stuck together.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

There you are.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

I've seen so many photographs. They're all beginning to look alike to me.

[Joe Friday]

If you'd like to rest a while, that's fine. Maybe you'd like to go home and come back a little later with it.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

You know something?

[Joe Friday]

What's that, ma'?

[Ben Romero]

Am?

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

I'm positive now.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Olive Rebar]

I wouldn't know those men if I saw them.

[Narrator]

You are listening to Dragnet from beginning to end. Dragnet is the authentic story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

Once more, what appeared to first be a good lead dissolved into nothing. The stakeouts were continued. Everything possible was being done to apprehend them. The burglaries of the Wilson markets continued. On the night of October 3rd, officers D.B. o' Connell and P.W.

[Ben Romero]

Murphy.

[Joe Friday]

Were working the stakeout on one of the Wilson markets in Eagle Rock. At 2:33am they had observed a gray Ford coupe. California license 9 Robert 9813. Driving at normal speed until reaching the storefront and then slowing down. Perceptibly showing unusual interest in the market. Lt. Armstrong and Sgt. Rubles checked the license number through DMV. The car was registered to a Clyde R. Bingham, 233 South Carmona Place in Eagle Rock. It was placed under surveillance while we made a thorough check into his background. We located him at the Neighborhood Bar on Colorado Boulevard. We talked to him for an hour.

[Clyde Bingham]

So that's it. I'm not your man.

[Ben Romero]

You sure you didn't drive past that Wilson Market on Bellevue Avenue?

[Clyde Bingham]

I didn't say. I've never driven by it. But not on the night you said.

[Joe Friday]

Well, have you driven by it on other nights?

[Clyde Bingham]

I wouldn't remember that. I live out here and I drive down Bellevue a lot. But I don't know if I've ever been by that market. I suppose I have.

[Ben Romero]

We have your license number and the word of two officers who sell you.

[Clyde Bingham]

I'm afraid they must be mistaken. You have the word of Benny and Walt. You just talk to them. I told you I was here on the night of October 3rd. I stayed here until almost daylight talking to Walt. He closed up at 2 and sat around and talked.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you say your car was parked all this time?

[Clyde Bingham]

Right out in front, Ben. Walt told you that too. I'm telling you, I never left this place the other night.

[Ben Romero]

Is it possible you could have forgotten?

[Clyde Bingham]

Not all three of us.

[Joe Friday]

And you didn't loan your car to anybody?

[Clyde Bingham]

No, sir, I never loaned my car. Stayed right out there in front.

[Joe Friday]

What'd you say you did after this place closed?

[Clyde Bingham]

As I said, I sat around, talked to Walt. He owns a place.

[Ben Romero]

What'd you talk about? Well, I don't know.

[Clyde Bingham]

This and that. I don't recall exactly.

[Ben Romero]

You go to work the following day? Yes, I did. Seems funny you'd sit up all night talking, then go to work.

[Clyde Bingham]

I don't have to be to work until I please. You know I'm my own boss.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Would you run your business all by yourself, Dean?

[Narrator]

No.

[Clyde Bingham]

I have two secretaries. They make off checks, keep the books.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of business did you say you were in?

[Clyde Bingham]

Business management. You know, the thing that bothers me is why you're asking me all these questions.

[Ben Romero]

Routine investigation.

[Clyde Bingham]

Doesn't sound very routine to me. I don't understand.

[Ben Romero]

Well, on an assignment, during the course of that assignment, it became necessary to interrogate you.

[Clyde Bingham]

I still don't understand.

[Captain Wisdom]

Anything else you want to know?

[Joe Friday]

No, sir. I think that pretty well covers it.

[Clyde Bingham]

Something I'd like to know.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Clyde Bingham]

Is there a law against slowing down.

[Captain Wisdom]

In Front of a market.

[Joe Friday]

Ben and I felt that Bingham was lying for some reason that we were not aware of. All efforts were made to determine that reason. We made a complete search of his residence. His relatives, friends and associates were interrogated. The two men who had alibi'd for him were checked out. No evidence was obtained to connect him in any way with the Wilson Market burglaries. A surveillance was continued on the three men. During the next two weeks, another market was burglarized. None of the three men could have been involved in any way. Another month went by. The burglaries continued unchecked. The newspapers had dubbed them the Lightning Bandits. There was only one exception to the title. By this time, they'd begun to repeat on markets to hit again where they had burglarized a safe. Previously. December 3, 4:00am Ben and I were cruising the central area, the section not covered by stakeout.

[Ben Romero]

I figured there's only one way to beat this thing.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, what's that?

[Ben Romero]

Ask for a transfer before they offer us one.

[Joe Friday]

Well, seems like every way we turn, we're stopped. No leads, nothing.

[Ben Romero]

Here it is almost Christmas again. Those market thieves started last Easter.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I know. Well, we got everything covered again tonight as best we can.

[Ben Romero]

We could just keep all the markets covered at one time.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's been done a couple of times. You know that.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I know that, but keep them covered all the time till we get to them. If we had the manpower, we could do it. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You want to swing in close to the curb. Here's another market.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. You see anything? No.

[Joe Friday]

Nothing on this side. We can't see the safe in there, can you?

[Ben Romero]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Those vegetable counters are partially blocking it. Lights on, though.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

This side's clear, too.

[Ben Romero]

Rear of the store backs up against that other building, doesn't it?

[Captain Wisdom]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Only a front and side entrance. You swing around again, will you make a, uh.

[Ben Romero]

You see something?

[Joe Friday]

No, I'm not sure. Just pull back up in front again, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, this is fine. You want to kill your engine? You hear that?

[Ben Romero]

I'm not sure.

[Joe Friday]

Come on. You hear it now?

[Ben Romero]

No, it stopped. Come on. They're throwing vegetables at that front window.

[Joe Friday]

They're trying to draw our attention here. Now, you cover the side. I'll try to force them to.

[Ben Romero]

You right. There's the news rack.

[Joe Friday]

Right. I see it.

[Ben Romero]

All right, hold it right there. Get your hands in the air. I got to go. You want to shake him down? Yeah. Right.

[Joe Friday]

All right, stand still.

[Ben Romero]

Go. From Joe. I'll see if there's any more Besides these two, right?

[Captain Wisdom]

Who tipped you off?

[Joe Friday]

We'd have had a tip. We'd have gotten you a long time ago.

[Ben Romero]

That's it? Just these two? Somebody must tip you off.

[Clyde Bingham]

You couldn't be this lucky.

[Joe Friday]

Why not? You've had your share. The two men were taken into custody and were identified as Wilfred Lawson and Thomas Greenfield. A check with R and I showed no previous record on either man. After a short interrogation, Wilfred Lawson admitted his part in all of the burglaries of the Wilson Brothers markets. He steadily refused to give us any information as to the other possible members of the burglary gang. Thomas Greenfield was interrogated. He was the more timid of the two. He claimed that this was the first job he'd been on with Lawson, that he did not know of any other members of the gang, that he'd only served as lookout on this particular burglary, that he was not deeply involved in. Further investigation of the two suspects, Armstrong and Ruble found that they had been seen in the company of still another man. It was impossible to get any kind of lead on the remaining suspect. We took the matter up with Captain Wisdom. It was our combined belief that we should allow Thomas Greenfield to be released on the grounds that we believed his story about his slight part in the crimes. He was placed under close 24 hour surveillance. Thursday, December 6th. Two days after we released Thomas Greenfield, we were called in Captain Wisdom's office.

[Captain Wisdom]

Yes, we played it the right way. And letting Thomas go.

[Ben Romero]

How do you mean?

[Captain Wisdom]

Well, first of all, we passed one up last October. You remember Bingham guy driving slow past.

[Ben Romero]

The market Needle Rock?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Well, he's the one we want these.

[Captain Wisdom]

Two letters, both postmarked today. We picked them up on that mail stop on Lawson.

[Joe Friday]

Where are they from? Thomas?

[Captain Wisdom]

Yeah, a couple of choice parts.

[Ben Romero]

Listen to this.

[Captain Wisdom]

Client says to tell you he's not sore anymore. Ever since that mix up, him and Walt and Benny decided this was the.

[Ben Romero]

Best way to play it.

[Captain Wisdom]

He says he don't want no part of what's yours. And then there's a lot more here. Says he'll get an attorney for Lawson and he thinks he really put one over on us anyway. All three of them are in it all the way.

[Ben Romero]

Well, how does Bingham figure in it? We had him under surveillance, didn't we?

[Captain Wisdom]

You know, listen to this from this other letter. Oh, yeah, here it is. I've been talking with CB Clyde Bingham. Getting real clever now, using initials. Yeah, I've been talking with CB Several times.

[Ben Romero]

Only on the phone.

[Captain Wisdom]

He's really not Sore he only laid out since that time. He figured he might be high.

[Ben Romero]

That's enough, isn't it? It's all there. Dad's okay.

[Captain Wisdom]

You got one to roll on?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Wisdom]

Go out and pick him up. This time we'll keep them.

[Narrator]

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

On March 22, trial was held in Superior Court Department 88, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. All three suspects. Wilford George Lawson, Clyde Robert Bingham. And Thomas Llewellyn Greenfield. Were filed on for burglary in the second degree. Wilford G. Lawson was filed on for 12 counts. Clyde R. Bingham for six counts. Thomas L. Greenfield for three counts. Sentences to run consecutively. They are now serving their time in the state penitentiary. In view of the fact that the authorities were unable to prove the defendants were armed at the time of the burglaries. And the stores were not inhabited. They could only be filed on for burglary in the second degree. Second degree burglary as punishable by a term of not less than 1 nor more than 15 years.

Ladies and gentlemen, we wish to gratefully acknowledge the Michael Award. Presented by the Academy of Radio and Television Arts and Sciences. The Academy voted Dragnet the finest program of its kind. It is with deep humility that Dragnet accepts this citation. The highest award bestowed by the radio and television industries.

You have just heard Dragnet a series of awards. Authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

Stay tuned for Counter Spy next over most NBC stations.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This one was an episode that, when you get right down to it, was about the challenge of conducting an investigation. And the fact that Lockpoint plays a role for both the policeman and the criminal. I should say, apparent look. And this is a case where you have to admit that the criminals had come up with a pretty good method. As you've got this massive chain of hundreds of stores, you can't possibly cover them all. And you really can't predict which one of these two or 300 stores. The criminals were going to strike at. And then, of course, you have a witness who can't identify anybody. And I sympathize with them, and I sympathize with her. As I listen to her going through the books, it's like, yeah, that's me all over. I'm horrible at remembering faces and what people look like. I'm not quite face blind, which is a real thing. But If I'm outside of a store and there are a couple guys in meat department uniforms and then I think to tell the police about it later, I'm not going to be able to tell them much aside from maybe race facial hair. If I ever provided information that helped the police, it would be some random thing I noticed or a couple numbers off a license plate, but no, nothing like that. So I understand her point. But again, it leaves Friday and Romero in a difficult spot. And this is a case where you can say different things. You just gotta go out there and work harder, or you just need a brilliant plan. But that's not what happens here. Even though there are times in Dragnet where somebody comes up with a clever idea that changes things up and goes a little outside the box. But most of the time the police solve a case through the marriage of a plan that's worked before in similar cases to diligence in carrying it out. It's tedious and difficult, but sometimes it's the only thing that gets the job done. Poor Ben was so tired of it, he was hoping to get reassigned before the next episode, but thankfully that's where the break came. Listener comments and feedback and we go to Spotify, where regarding the big speech, Chameleon of Central Police Headquarters writes, Joe and his mom must be a blast at parties. Well, I would say that it is possible to be very serious, but to also be able to lighten up and have a good time. I would say in theory. I do think that when it comes to Joe Friday, there is an image that Friday acquired as kind of a stick in the mud, though I would say that in some ways it's a bit similar to Batman in that he becomes so dedicated to the job and so married to the job that it becomes his identity. That may be part of the reason why there are many people who prefer Adam 12 to the 60s dragnet. Martin Milner as Pete Malloy could be very intense and serious, but he had a lighter side. He liked to joke around, even between calls. He actually had some relationships as the show went on, and a really good sense of humor. Though I will say that if I theoretically ended up at a party with Joe Friday, I'd probably end up hanging out with him because I'm also bad at parties. Okay, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Mark Patreon supporter since March of 2020 20. Currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Mark. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Thursday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Wilfred Lawson]

Warehouse and what's he doing here, Poorman? What's there to investigate? You may be trying to say I killed off the herd myself to collect the insurance money. I said nothing of the sort. Then what's to investigate? I told you I don't like this. And I'm telling you right to your.

[Ben Romero]

Face, Bart, you shouldn't talk like that.

[Wilfred Lawson]

Well, it's the truth. Just what do you think you're going to do around here? Dollar?

[Ben Romero]

Bart, please.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that depends, Mr. Turnbull.

[Wilfred Lawson]

Does he have to say, it's okay, Poorman before you can pay my claim?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, he does.

[Wilfred Lawson]

Well, believe me, if I'd known this was the kind of outfit I was dealing with paying premiums to. Okay, all right. Poke around as much as you want. Stay around as long as you like. We'll bed you down. We'll feed you. We'll show you what kind of people we are. Just don't get in my way. I've got a lot of work to do. And don't tell me I'm a crook.

[Narrator]

Now, let's be reasonable about this.

[Ben Romero]

Me?

[Wilfred Lawson]

I'm being reasonable. You're the one that I hope you'll.

[Adam Graham]

Be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.