CAR CONVERSIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 January 1939, Page 6

CAR CONVERSIONS

AUCKLAND A. A. DISCUSSIONS.

[PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, January 18.

Concern at the great number of motor-car conversions that were occurring throughout the Dominion was expressed by members of the Automobile Association (Auckland), at a meeting to-night, when considering a recommendation on the subject from the secretary, Mr. G. AV. Hutchison. Several speakers were of opinion that Court penalties should be heavier, so that there would be a greater deterrent to offenders. Mr. Hutchison recommended that a deputation be appointed to wait on the Superintendent of Police at Auckland, to ascertain whether adequate steps were taken for the protection of motorists’ property. If it were. found that there was insufficient protection, he suggested that the association consider the formation of a voluntary corps of patrols among members, who would hunt down car thieves immediately a theft w r as reported, and follow up every case to see that it was properly dealt with. “I think it can be contended that the recrudence of this type of crime is largely due to the fact, that those responsible think that they will not be severely punished if apprehended,” Mr. Hutchison stated. “Although the law does not regard this crime as theft, but merely as wrongful conversion, the fact remains that in most cases expensive damage is done to the car, with no possibility of collecting the amount from the party responsible.” Mr. Hutchison said he felt certain that there would bo no difficulty in getting 100 or 200 members to enrol, and cover a section of the city and suburbs in every case where the theft of a member’s car was reported.

“This Is a. most serious matter,” said the chairman, Mr. F. G. Farrell. For the period of approximately five weeks from the beginning of December upwards of 40 cars wore stolen or converted in the Auckland metropol'tan 'area. 17 something was not done by the authorities, either the police or the Government, then sooner or later loss of life would result from these escapades. Several members emphasised that the penalties so far inflicted were not heavy enough, although it was pointed out that magistrates had power to punish offenders severely. Mr. Hutchison’s recommendation was adopted.