"DISHONESTY RIFE"

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31209, 5 November 1966, Page 24

"DISHONESTY RIFE"

Dishonesty is rife in Christchurch, according to the crimeprevention officer (Detective Sergeant E. J. Stackhouse). “No fewer than 128 persons were charged by the C. 1.8. last month with more than 250 criminal offences involving dishonesty. This was at the rate of four a day. “Twenty persons were charged with shoplifting, 19 with burglary, 35 with theft, 10 with fraud, and 19 with unlawful taking of motorvehicles.

“These figures relate to crimes of dishonesty alone. Detectives, of course, made arrests and laid charges on a variety of other offences. “Crime figures for the month are up, but the rate of detection is very good, as shown by the total of 128 persons charged with dishonesty. Many of the persons face multiple charges. Crime is on the increase, but it still does not pay.” Last month, 131 burglaries were reported, compared with 150 in September. Thefts reported last month were 249—59 more than in September, and 70 more than in August.

Unlawful taking of motorvehicles numbered 47, and there were 10 complaints of wilful damage throwing stones through shop windows in six cases. “The number of thefts reported from public places, such as swimming pools, sports pavilions and grounds and beaches, is showing an upward trend.

“One woman had all her clothes stolen at the Lido pool in Waimairi, and another young woman had her £lOO engagement ring stolen at the Centennial Pool. “These offences will increase as the weather gets warmer unless persons take greater care of their possessions,” Detective-Sergeant Stackhouse said.