STAINS BETRAY THIEF

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27368, 5 June 1954, Page 8

STAINS BETRAY THIEF

COINS MARKED WITH POWDER

MONEY STOLEN AT HOSPITAL “The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, June 4. A powder which turns green when moistened was used to catch a thief' after a number of petty thefts from a women's cloakroom at the Auckland Public Hospital. In the Magistrate’s Court before Mr L. G. H. Sinclair, S.M. Joan Doris Helleman, aged 35, receptionist clerk (Mr M. Robinson), faced two charges of stealing 4s and 2s, the property of Jennifer Lynne Stevenson.. Accused denied both charges. Constable E. T. Martin, who is stationed at the hospital, said he marKed four 2s pieces ana a three penny piece with the powder. One of the 2s pieces was missed, and he interviewed 24 girls of the laboratory and office staff. Seeing green stains on accused’s hands, he questioned her. Witness read a statement made by accused in whichtshe admitted having taken the 2s and 4s in a previous theft on April 1. She said she had taken the money because she “was on the rocks.”

Accused in evidence denied ever stealing money from others in the cloakroom. She said she had been given a 2s piece by another girl to get some pumpkin in the lunch hour. On the way back she noticed some “green stuff on her hand. The Magistrate convicted accused on both charges and fined her £5 on each. Costs amounted to £3 4s.