SERIOUS MATTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 15, 19 January 1939, Page 15

SERIOUS MATTER.

CAR .CONVERSION. CONCERN OF MOTORISTS. PATBOL SCHEME SUGGESTED. "This is a very serious matter," said the president of the Automobile Association (Auckland), Mr. F. G. Farrell, when referring to the growth of car conversion, at a meeting of the association held last evening. "During the last five weeks upwards of 40 cars have been stolen in the Auckland metropolitan area." Mr. Farrell was moving the adoption of a report by the secretary, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, in which it was stated that although the law did not regard this crime as "theft," but merely as "wrongful conversion," the fact remained that in most cases extensive damage was done to the car with no possibility of collecting the amount from the party responsible. Penalty Not Heavy Enough. "I think it can be contended," reported Mr. Hutchison, "that the recrudescence of this type of crime is largely due to the fact that those responsible think that they will not be severely punished if apprehended.

"I recommend that a deputation be appointed to wait upon the Superintendent of Police in Auckland to ascertain whether adequate steps are taken for the. protection of motorists' property, and, if it i« found that there is insufficient protection, that consideration be given to the formation of a voluntary corpe of patrols among members, who will biint down car thieves immediately a theft ie reported and follow up every caee to see that it is properly dealt with. "I feel certain that there would be no difficulty in getting a hundred or two of our members to enrol and to turn out," reported Mr. Hutchison in conclusion," "and each cover a section of the city and suburbs in every case where the theft of a member's ear is reported." . Lom of Lifo Likely. Mr. Farrell expressed the opinion that if something on the lines indicated was not done by the authorities—either the police or the Government—then, sooner or later, lose of life,would result from the escapades. :', The fact ihat thV.j>erialtie» inflicted so far were tiot heavjr enough, although the magistrates had the power to punish offender* severely, \#a» stressed by several members. i The recommendation by Mr. Hutchison wa# adopted with enthusiasm.