STRUGGLE WITH POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19557, 9 February 1927, Page 17

STRUGGLE WITH POLICE.

YOUTH WITH AN IRON BAR. SURPRISED OUTSIDE PREMISES. ARREST ON BURGLARY CHARGE. A youth was caught in the act of breaking into the premises -of Tutt Brothers, mercers, in Symonds "Street:, late on Monday night, and was arrested after an exciting struggle. Constable McLennan, while making his usual rounds, flashed his torch on to the back door at the rear of the premises shortly after 11 o'clock, and at a window close beside the door he saw the youth with au iron bar in his hands. He said: "It's all up; I've got you." The youth made a dash for a fence, and while the constable was scrambling over the back gate the youth climbed the fence.

The constable was in close pursuit and caught the youth by the leg as he climbed the fence, pulling him to the ground. The youth was well-built and strong for his age, and a struggle followed. The constable eventually secured his prisoner and handcuffed him.

During the struggle the youth several times called for assistance, indicating that he was not alone in his exploit. An examination of the premises yesterday morning gave further evidence that more than one person was concerned in the matter. An iron-barred window at the rear of the second storey had been forced and an examination had apparently been made of the stock. A suit, a hat; and a pair of trousers, valued at about £lO, were missing, although the youth who was arrested by the constable had no stolen property in his possession.

The upper storey is separated from the ground floor by strong doors, and after completing their examination upstairs the intruders had evidently intended to repeat the performance on the ground floor. Marks on the back door showed that an attempt had been made to force it, but it was strongly barred. The glass of the window at which the youth was found had been broken in one corner. As a sequel to the incident, Herbert Kilburn, aged 17, was charged in the Police Court yesterday morning with breaking and entering the shop of Tutt Brothers with intent to commit a crime.

Chief-Detective Cummings asked for a remand until February 17, stating accused was caught' in the act of breaking into the premises with a jemmy. Mr. Dickson, who appeared for accused, asked for bail.

The Magistrate, Mr. W. I\. McKean: It is a serious offence. I will have to take into consideration the fact that he was found with a jemmy. Mr. .Dickson: The police call anything a jemmv, even a bit of wire. The Chief Detective: He had an iron bar.

The magistrate fixed bail at £l5O, arid at the suggestion of the chief detective ordered that the accused should report daily to the police and should not be allowed out at night. Mr. Dickson asked for suppression of accused's name in view of his age, and also on the ground that - he had a reasonable explanation of the ipatter to offer. The ■ application was refused.