Joe Friday works the burglary detail, and has to investigate a house fire. When Joe looks through the burned out place with the homeowner, it may be a case of using the fire to cover up for a robbery.

Valuable jewels, and even food from the pantry and freezer is missing. Other robberies are reportedc that are similar, but without fires. When a man reports a break in at his home, and coins are stolen, it takes a few days, but Jo Friday and Frank Smith have the lead that helps wrap up this case.

There’s enough evidence to haul their man in, but Joe is going for an airtight case, and stakes the man out. He finds his house, and all the missing goods.