INGENIOUS BOX

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 April 1934, Page 7

INGENIOUS BOX

USED BY SHOPLIFTER.

[PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, April 12.

One of the most ingenious devices used for shoplifting purposes that have come under the notice of the police was produced by Senior-Detective Hall in the Police Court, when Edna May Gallagher, 30, a cigar-maker, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft. Accused was charged with stealing four pair of bloomers and six singlets, of a total value of 15/-, on April 6; and on the same day stealing a singlet valued at 3/11. Detective Hall produced a carboard box about ISin. by 12in. wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. He gave a demonstration showing how the woman stole the articles of underclothing. She would place the box over the article she desired, insert her hand through one end, which was left open, and then pick up the desired garment, through a slot on the underneath part of the box. “She was discovered when a shop assistant was surprised to see a singlet disappear underneath the box,” added Detective Hall. “Accused then placthe cardboard box under her arm and left the shop, but was followed and arrested and the box was found in her possession. It is a very cunning arrangement, deliberately made for shoplifting purposes, and looks, as if it has

been used on other occasions. It is so cleverly made that it should be the property of an illusionist.”

“You really deserve 21 days’ imprisonment for deliberately making a contrivance for shoplifting,” said the Magistrate (Mr F. K. Hunt) in admitting the woman to strict terms of probation for 12 months. “I will take a risk and a chance in doing this and I suppose the Court will get abused for doing so.”