ARISTOCRATS OF CRIME

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 140, 14 June 1924, Page 16

ARISTOCRATS OF CRIME

THE THIEF AND THE "FENCE.:"

The aristocrats of the criminal world are the "fences"—the name by Which receivers of stolen property are known. If there were no "fences" there would b e few thievesi declares Hugh Brady in the "Daily Mail." .Sir Ernest Wild, K.C., once described a "fence" as a person who remained hidden in his den working like a spider: in its web—running few risks and reaping most of the gains of the thief.

Many of the ; smart "fences" are known to the police, but tho loyal support given them by those wno take to them the plunder they secure makes it almost impossible for the smartest detectives^ to place them in the dock. For the criminal who gives a "fence" away is.a marked man for the rest of his life. His name is never erased from a black list that circulates.far "and wide. "Fences" even when-captured are-hard to convict—even: when a crook turns "tail" it must be proved that stolen goods were purchased well knowing that they had been stolen. A "fence" can admit that a thief had told him that the ■ goods had been stolen after payment had been made. The law in that respect is on their side. ,

Many "fences" began life as active criminals, but soon found that work behind the scenes was safer and more profitable. Tho thief, who has not the confidence of a good "fence" spends tnost of his life in gaol. Clumsy efforts to dispose of stolen property always lead to ■ the dock. There aro many apparently respectablo /firms in London and the provinces owned by "fences." They can buy their stock in "the1 cheapest market. Kxpert hands can change the outward, appearance of most articles so well that even the owners cannot recognise their own property.. But whore alteration means depreciation goods can bo shifted abroad, for the ramifications of the ■ receiving trade are11 world-wide.

The "goodi fence" is as loyal to the thief as the thief is loyal to him, and herein lie 3 tho secret of the safety with which the "fence" ' enriches himself without undue risk. Ways and means are found of looking after a thief's family when he falls'by the way. When a "breadwinner"'is in gaol thoso dependent on him will not suffer, and a. smart thief is sure of a cheery welcome when he returns to freedom. "Fences" are singularly free from blackmail. The thief who shirks work and resorts to threats is soon taught a salutary lesson. His brother criminals insist on him playing 'the game! . , .