SHOE THIEF GAOLED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 210, 5 September 1930, Page 9

SHOE THIEF GAOLED.

DEALERS BUY FROM WOMAN.

COMPLAINT BY SHOPKEEPER.

PAYING FOR fflS OWN GOODS.

An old offender, Annie Hartley, aged 54, made another appearance at the Police Court this morning when she pleaded guilty to stealing five pairs of shoes, of a total value of £3 13/ from various Auckland shops between August 26 and September 2. Chief Detective Hammond produced accused's list of previous convictions, which numbered 41. Hartley stole the shoes from shop doorways and afterwards sold them to second-hand dealers. i "What can we do with this woman?" asked. Mr. F. K. Munt, S.M., of Major Annie Gordon, female probation officer. "She is not long out of gaol after serving a sentence!" "It is quite a new thing for Annie to take up thieving. Drink is her trouble. She will do anything to get. money to buy drink," replied Major Gordon. "Everything that could possibly be done to help this woman has been of no avail. After she came out of gaol her rent was paid and food was put in the house." Mr. Hunt: She had better go up above again, I suppose.— Major Gordon said Hartley would be better in gaol. The magistrate then imposed a three months' sentence. ','■'■, V \

The sum of 15/. found on Hartley when she was arrested, was ordered to go towards restitution.

"Competition Compels Us." At this stage, Mr. E. E. Kitchener, from whose shop two pairs of shoes had been stolen by accused, walked up close to the bench and asked that an order should be made for the return of the stolen shoes. . • ■ ,

"That has already been made," said Mr. Hunt. ' -

Mr. Kitchener: I also ask that no order should be made for payment to the pawnbrokers. These pawnbrokers who buy new shoes like this are receivers of stolen property. '",' . :> -

Chief Detective Hammond: That is not true,: Mi\ Kitchener; . you are making accusations now. You know you hang boots and-'shoes right out in front of your shops. :

"Competition compels .us to do that," said Mr. Kitchener.

, Mr; Hunt: You should chain your boots up, Mr. Kitchener.

"I hav.e even wired the boots together on a pole, and then found that boots, pole and all have been stolen from the shop front," said Mr. Kitchener.

Mr. Hunt: You will have to chain up the pole, too, then. (Laughter.)

. "Something in What he Says." Mr. Hammond then stated that Mr. Kitchener, if he wanted the boots that had been sold to the dealer, would have to pay the dealer 12/. Part of the 15/ found on Hartley would pay this.

■ "Well now, Mr. Kitchener, that's all right, you will not be" out of pocket," said the magistrate. ■•'■ ' ' .

After Mr. Kitchener had left the Court Mr. Hunt remarked to the chief detective. .".There .is, something in what. .-Mr. Kitchener says. These dealers should hot.buy.new shoes."

"Quite so,"' said Mr-. Hariimond. "They take the risk." . ■ ■