Bogus “Food Controllers”

From the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 7th February 1918.

HOARD-SEARCH THIEVES.

BEDROOM RANSACKED BY "FOOD CONTROLLERS.''

Householders should be on their guard against bogus searchers for household food.  Two men yesterday went to the house of Mr. R. Hollington, Downs Park Road, Clapton, and boldly asserted that they were "food controllers,'' and were empowered to search the house for sugar.  The men were admitted, and they made an exhaustive search.  When they had gone Mr. Hollington found that his bedroom had been ransacked, and jewellery, including gold rings and a diamond and pearl necklace, stolen.  The police are now searching for the ''food controllers."  It was stated at the Ministry of Food yesterday that inspectors sent to examine premises all carry a search warrant in due form.