Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31, 1934. UNDETECTED CRIME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 8

Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31, 1934. UNDETECTED CRIME.

The frequency with which burglaries are now taking place in Palmerston North suggests that the city is experiencing another wave of crime of this nature. Other places report similar activities by the section of society that preys upon the rest. To some extent at least in the cities burglaries are to be anticipated, for there are in every large community men who prefer to rob rather than to work. But the large number of cases of unlawful entry and theft reported to the local police are undoubtedly evidence of organised crime, in which the thieves have not hesitated to use explosives in seeking some return from their nefarious exploits. Unfortunately, the owners of premises unlawfully entered very often suffer greater loss from the damage done than in the money or goods taken, the mischief wrought aggravating the nature of the offence. This frequently happens in buildings where money or goods of any value obviously are not kept, and yet from stupidity that offers no explanation considerable damage is done in the search. The difficulty confronting the police and detective staff in apprehending the offenders must be recognised. The modern professional burglar is a highly skilled person who adopts. present day transport facilities. Even those classed as amateurs in many cases resort to motor cars to make a speedy escape from the scene of their wrongdoing, in striking contrast the police are poorly equipped. In his address to the Grand Jury at Auckland the other day, Mr Justice Ilerdman emphasised the police difficulties. In commenting on the number of house-breaking cases that came before the Court, he remarked that this type of offence appeared to be the most favoured activity among criminals, and he feared that many cases must go undetected. Everyone knew, His Honour added, that the New Zealand police lagged sadly behind in equipment. In other words, as a southern paper said in commenting upon Mr Justice Herdman’s remarks, although burglars and house-breakers are beginning to take advantage of modern transport facilities, police still trundle along on bicycles. The subject was mentioned in Parliament last week, when the Minister for Justice stated that a number of country stations are equipped with motor vehicles, and that fast cars are being provided for the suburbs. Yet, in spite of this assurance, a suburban member from Auckland states that all the transport the police in his district have comprises a horse and a bicycle. The Minister is to obtain a report upon equipment from the Commissioner of Police which should be of considerable value. If their work is to reach the highest standard of efficiency the police must be provided with modern transport facilities. Y'aluable time would then be saved in the investigation of cases and the apprehension of ci'iminals once a definite clue is discovered. Moreover, the police have work t 0 do for other Departments of State that hampers the execution of their own duties and where possible this should be transferred so that the greatest attention can be given to the protection of property. Hie matter requires the very serious consideration of the Government