(Southampton is not specifically mentioned in the article, but Mr Hinves, architect, is mentioned on ‘Sotonopedia’ as being in business with a Mr Bedborough at 23 Portland Street, Southampton).
Remarkable window breaking case.
On Tuesday, a case of a remarkable character was brought under the notice of the Borough Magistrates by Mr Hinves, architect, of Portland-street. It appeared that within the last few days several windows had been broken in various parts of the house, in the most unaccountable manner. Large stones have been found inside, which, to all appearances, had been thrown through the windows. On Sunday night the knocker was taken off, and had been since discovered in a back room upstairs, where a window had been broken, through which it apparently passed.
Town Sergeant Lisle said that the three panes in the study had been broken inside. Mr Hinves said that there was only himself, his wife, his partner, Mr Bedborough, and the servant, in the house, and the latter appeared to be as terrified as the others at the occurrence.
On Monday evening a police-constable was stationed in the back of the premises and also one in the front, and windows had then been broken, but no one could be discovered outside. After a great many other mysterious circumstances had been related, sufficient to give the house the character of “haunted,” the room was cleared of every one except those concerned, and measures taken to detect the parties.
On Wednesday Mr King, of Portland-street, attended, and said that it had been stated that he had mentioned the name of a neighbour in connexion with the matter. He now attended to state that he believed he had nothing to do with breaking the windows. Mr Fall said they had nothing to do with the affair. What is more extraordinary, the window breaking is still continuing at intervals, without any discovery being made as to who is the perpetrator.
The Hampshire Advertiser, 26th June 1858.