DESPICABLE THEFTS

Evening Star, Issue 22682, 23 June 1937, Page 8

DESPICABLE THEFTS

TRADESMEN'S TOOLS INVOLVED SEVERAL GASES REPORTED A more despicable form of theft than one which virtually deprives a tradesman of his wage-earning capacities could hardly be imagined. But, nevertheless, it is reported that thefts of carpenters' tools from the place of their employment aro quite common in Dunedin and have been for some time. This information was given to a ‘ Star ’ reporter this morning by the secretary of the local Carpenters’ Union (Mr W Boss), who said that numerous complaints had been, made to him relating to the thefts. During the erection of the new building for Otago Motors Ltd. nearly all of th 6 12 carpenters engaged on the job suffered losses, and sufficient tools wore stolen from each man’s kit to complete a firstclass working kit of tools, complete with overalls, rule, and pencil. The loss suffered by the men was estimated at £ls, their immediate replacement reE resenting an unexpected and rather oavy expense for the men. Another case involved two carpenters who were engaged in building a house at St. Leonards, whore tho workmen’s shed was broken into and tools to the value of £lO 10s stolen, one tradesman incurring a loss of £7. There appeared to be someone visiting the various buildings under construction, said Mr Ross, and the thefts are not being confined to workmen’s tools, reports having been made that timber and other materials have also been disappearing.