SHIP-LIFTING A PROFESSION

Evening Star, Issue 18808, 5 December 1924, Page 10

SHIP-LIFTING A PROFESSION

RETAILERS DETERMINED. NO MERCY. [Special to the ‘ Stau.'] CHRISTCHURCH, Decomber 4. Discussing yesterday’s shop-lifting oases, an executive officer of the Christchurch Retailers' Association made the following statement; —“1 have had the opportunity of observing the methods of these people for years, and in nearly every instance where the offenders have been brought to book they are people who arc known to the shopkeepers genera Hy as being lightlingered, and it is only by constant vigilance that there is any chance of catching them in the net of stealing. Shopkeepers have, suffered from the depredations of these people for many years, and there arc innumerable instances where offenders ha vc been let off with a caution; but so much has been suffered through loss of goods in this respect I hat the patience of retailers generally has become exhausted, and it is the general practice now to call in the police without exception, as we feel that is the only possible way in which the practice can bn slopped. Magistrates, too, are evidently taking the same view. Whereas the offeree used to be met at one time, by probation or a lino, it has now become, the practice to give a term of imprisonment, and as time goes on the sentences arc becoming more .severe. 1 can say with confidence —and my fellowretailers, I am quite sure, will agtee with me—(bat shop-lifting by women is becoming a profession, and there are many women still free who are well known to the retail trade of Christchurch generally as bring of this undesirable class. We have Ivied all means to lessen the evil, but have most reluctantly come to the conclusion that the only way to stop this undesirable practice, and to protect ourselves, is to do as we arc now determined to do—that, is to prosecute in every case without exception."