Preventing Milk Thefts

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32392, 3 September 1970, Page 10

Preventing Milk Thefts

Sir, —Being a victim of milk thefts over the years, I would ask whether there is a regulation prohibiting the resale of milk bottles. Presenting myself at the local dairy to replace my stolen milk, 1 once discovered the shopkeeper doing business with a troupe of kids who had lugged in a tubful of assorted milk bottles. This same very decent shopkeeper had listened sympathetically to my complaints over the years, yet is helping to perpetuate these mean thefts. At any one time a milk bottle is either the property of the milkman, or, if paid for, of the possessor. One does not “acquire” them; and one does not sell them at a loss. A regulation against the resale of bottles (if none exists) would make the game less attractive, and I feel would earn the gratitude of those most affected, the flat and bed-sitter population who are obliged to risk their bottles on the street —Yours, etc., MILKED. September 2, 1970.