CAREER OF CRIME.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 77, 31 March 1928, Page 12

CAREER OF CRIME.

YOUTH'S TWO ESCAPES. STOLE PROPERTY WORTH £195 SENT BACK TO WEIIAROA.

A lad whose perverted love of adventure has caused officials of the Child Welfare Department no end ot trouble appeared in the Children's.Court to-day, when he pleaded guilty to a large number of charges of breaking, entering, and theft. Two motor cycles, clothing, watches, a violin, and money were among the extensive list of thinga stolen, the total amount involved being £195. Proj>erty and money of a total value of £9 19/ have not been recovered.

The lad was in trouble some time ago, and was sent to the Weraroa Industrial Farm. Later he was put out on licensed service, from which he absconded and went to Hawera. There he committed several thefts, and on the proceeds came to Auckland early this year. He continued his career of crime in Auckland, breaking, entering, and stealing. He was arrested and placed in the Boys' Probation Home, Mount Albert, which was not strong enough to hold him. After pursuing his wild ways for a short time lie was recaptured and placed safely behind iron bars.

The boy, a sunburned, healthy-looking youngster of 15, is to be back to Weraroa. Later he will be dealt with in Levin on charges concerning the offences committed at Hawera. Owing to his age, he cannot be committed to the Borstal institution.