Cleptograph burglar camera and alarm 1909

Two mock burglars demonstrating the use of a new burglar alarm that also takes a picture of intruders, called the Cleptograph. The mechanism of this is shown through a section of the wall, removed during photograph manipulation. The Sketch titles this image with a joke, also commenting that "each photograph entitles the sitter to six months board and lodging at the government's expense", as well as drawing attention to the Italian rather than American origins of the inventor

Alarm Burglar Burglars Criminals Innovation Jul19 Theft Thieves

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