THEFT FROM MARKETS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 27, 2 February 1932, Page 3

THEFT FROM MARKETS.

ALTERATION OF DOCKET

VEGETABLE DEALER FINED £5.

An unsuccessful attempt to steal three bags of potatoes valued at 9/, the property of Produce Markets, Ltd., was made yesterday by Victor Lee, aged 47, brass moulder.

Lee appeared at the Folic Court to-day when he pleaded guilty to the attempted theft, and also to another charge of stealing three bags of potatoes.

Detective Sergeant Kelly said Leo was at the markets yesterday and purchased one bag of potatoes and a bag of carrots. On the docket by altering the figure "1" hag of potatoes to read "4," and manipulated the figures "5/11" to read "15/11." When he took tho docket to the oflicc, where- a carbon copy was kept, the clerk noticed the alteration, and the police were notified. A constable then discovered three bags of potatoes in Lcc's motor car.

Counsel for accused, in asking for leniency, said Lee had never been in trouble before. Since he lost his. employment as a brass-founder in Christinas week, after being in the one job for 13 years, he had been growing and selling vegetables. "His act yesterday was u foolish, amateurish affair, and he feels his position very deeply," added counsel. Leo was a married man with three young children.

For stealing tho potatoes, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., lined Lee £5 and costs 18/, and he convicted and discharged him on the (irst count.