Theft to play video games

Press, 1 November 1982, Page 4

Theft to play video games

PA Hamilton Three child burglars aged from six to nine years have admitted to a series of break-ins to get money to play "Space Invaders.”’ the Hamilton police said yesterday. The three also admitted that they had tried, unsuccessfully. to set fire to a house. Detective Senior-Sergeant L. Denby said a Hamilton resident returned home cn Thursday to find that his house had been burgled and that intruders had lit fires in the hall, main bedroom and lounge. Information from neighbours led the police to the three juveniles, who admit-

ted the burglary and attempted arson, and said that they had burgled five other houses. The police recovered $lOO in cash, a watch, and foreign coins.

The children w ; ere referred to the police youth aid section for follow-up action, Senior-Sergeant Denby said. Burglary by juveniles looking for money to play "Space Invaders" was common, he said.

"We believe most house burglaries are being made by juveniles. We see a direct link between an increase in burglaries and these 'Space Invaders' machines throughout the city.

It is the same kids we

pick up for burglaries who we find playing games in these space game parlours with large sums of money," he said.