MIDNIGHT RAID.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 10, 12 January 1940, Page 6

MIDNIGHT RAID.

PETROL THIEVES.

TWO MEN SENTENCED.

THIRD MAN ESCAPE*.

An outfit, which comprised ewtra] four-gallon tins, a six-gallon drum, eight-gallon milk can and a circular pump with rubber tubing fitted, All ft* •the purpose of siphoning petrol, seized by the police during a midnight visit in response to a call to Winfttoiie'H yard, Mount I.'oskill, on Januapr 7. Two of the three men caught stealing petrel were arretted and sent to prison fJtHn the Police Court this morning by Mr. J. Morling, S.M.

They were Roy George Alenndtr Leathart (37), and Frederick Donaldson (36), labourers. Each was charged With being deemed to be a rogue and V4g|bond, found without lawful excuse o n the enclosed yard of Wins bone's, Lift,, ited, Mount Roskill, and further, with stealing 16 gallons of petrol valued it £1. 17/6 belonging to the same film.-. Accused, for whom Mr. Aektas appeared, pleaded guilty. Two Men Held. Sub-Inspector Pender said Mr. Bildwin, niglitwatuhman for Winstone's, was keeping a special watch on tlie yard on the night of January 7 when., at 1155, lie saw three jnen enter a tunnel whce jietrol was stored, lie overhead a conversation about shifting druuis of petrol and as a result Mr. Baldwin summoned Constable White, of Mount RoskilL On his return he challenged the three ffifcn and held two of them in the yard Until the arrival of the constable. The third; man escaped. The two accused Were found ill possession of several four-gal-lon drums filled with petrol, four enjpty four-gallon tins, a six-gallon drum, m eight-gallon milk can and an elaborate pump to which was attached lengths of rubber hose. The two accused had to climb over a fence to enter the vafd. A motor car was found parked outside tfte premises. "A special watch was being kept? because of the theft of large quantities of petrol from these premises prior to the holidays," added Mr. Pender. "Neither of the accused will disclose the identity of the third man." Well Equipped. Mr. Aekihs described the theft ftfe a stupid one, and said that apparently the accused had been told about the petrol. Neither had had anything to do With previous thefts of petrol, this being tfciir first visit to the place.

"Mr. t*euder did not tell your Worship that these men were lield up by a gun which the nightwatchman had)" Mf. Aekins said. "Ag this isiheif ftfst offence I would urge your Wotehip to admit them to probation 60 that they might fee kept under supervision."

Mr. Morling: I do not feel that thi* is a ease for probation. Itowever, I will consult the probation officer about it and give my decision later."

Following an adjournment, the magistrate said he could not grant probation. The offence was deliberate and constituted Unwarranted dishonesty. The men had gone to the yard well equipped for stealing petrol.

On the charge of theft both Leathart and Donaldson were each sentenced id one month's imprisonment, and cd&» victed and discharged on the Othtf charge. |