THEFTS FROM EMPLOYERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19503, 6 December 1926, Page 14

THEFTS FROM EMPLOYERS.

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS. TWO YOUTHS IN TROUBLE. Extensive thefts of electrioil apparatus from the Electric Construction Company, Limited, were revealed in the Police Court on Saturday when various charges were admitted by two youths, aged 18. The magistrate, Mr. W. R. McKean, ordered the name of one of them to be suppressed, as it was stated the other, William Sinclair, was really the ringleader. The charges against the first boy related to the theft of three storage batteries valued at £8 5s each, and a hydrometer valued at 8s 6d. Sinclair was charged with receiving' the goods and also with stealing copper wire. Chief-Detective Cummings said the boys had been in the employ of the Electric Construction Company for some time, and the articles were stolen from the store. It was suggested that Sinclair influenced the other lad 1 to steal the goods for the purpose of making wireless sets. One of -the batteries stolen was sola for £2, the boys taking £1 each. The boy who had been led astray by Sinclair had a good character and it was understood the company would take him back into employment immediately if the magistrate felt inclined to give him a chance. Mr. W. J. Campbell, the probation officer, made a plea for leniency on behalf of this boy, saying he had known him for some time and his family was very respectable. He asked that the name should be suppressed. ■ The Magistrate: Ho will be convicted on all four charges and admitted to probation for twelve months. lam reluctant to suppress names, but in the circumstances I think I may do so. You do not know what view the company is taking of Sinclair's offence, Mr. Cummings ? I will remand him until Tuesday for sentence, until we can see what is going to be done.