MANY CRIMES BY BOYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20113, 26 November 1928, Page 11

MANY CRIMES BY BOYS.

TWENTY-SIX LADS IN COURT*

WIDE RANGE OF OFFENCES.

BURGLARIES AND CAR THEFTS*

The most extensive series of crimes by boys that has ever occurred in Auckland had a final sequel in the Children's Court on Saturday morning, when 26 boys, whose ages ranged from 11 to 19, appeared on a total of 160 charges. Th# offences extended over several months, about three youthful "gangs" having been employed in a wide variety of activities. Lengthy investigations by the police revealed that ten motor-car thefts were traceable to the boys, while numerous shops and houses in Mount Eden and Dominion Road were broken into. The remainder of the charges had reference to all manner of escapades involving thefts and wilful damage.

It was stated by the police that almost all the offenders came from one school and a recommendation was made in one instance that a boy, in his own interests, should be transferred to another school.

The precincts of the courtroom in the Unity Hall were crowded during the morning, and several youths wearing short trousers passed the time in smoking cigarettes while waiting for their cases to bo heard. In every case parents denied all knowledge of the offences, which they stated had taken place after school hours or during lunch-time. Mothers Taken to Task. The mother of one boy was charged with receiving stolen cigarettes from her son, and although Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., remarked that it appeared fairly certain the woman knew they were not come by honestly, the evidence was not strong enough to warrant a conviction. Detfc-tive-Sergeant Kelly said the woman hud kept the cigarettes and supplied hsr young sons with them as they asked fur them. As one boy was only 14 she had committed an offence against the law in doing this.

Although in tho majority of cases no blame was directly attached to the parents by the police, Mrs. N. E. Ferner, a member of the Court, laid the whole blame for ono boy's downfall on the shoulders of his mother, whom she charged with neglecting to caup for him in a proper manner. Exceptionally serious charges were admitted by two boys aged 15 who, it was stated, had embarked deliberately on e short and strenuous career of crime, knowing fully the consequences awaiting them on being caught. In a remarkable letter written by one boy from a country town ho urged tho other to join him when he came to tho city, as he knew of dozens of "dumps" ready to be "done." Tho boy pointed out tho seriousness of his intentions and said that, if they were caught both could expect heavy sentences. Term in Borstal Institute. Mr. Kelly said the two boys broke into a store, using a key which they had retained from an escapade six months previously. They amused themselves by throwing pats of butter against the walla and on tho roof, finally stealing a motorcar and abandoning it at Mangere. They had also stolen bicycles, broken open public telephone cabinet 3 and stolen money, and broken into houses where they did considerable damage. There were 22 charges against one boy and 17 against the other, who had come to the city with tho express intention of launching into crime. A large black cap to fit over the head was produced by the police, who stated one boy had worn 'it while engaged on th» "jobs." The total value of goods still unrecovered was £62. "I have to consider my position in regard to the public, and tho charges are so serious that I feel the Borstal Institute would be the best place for these lads," said Mr. W. J. Campbell, probation officer. "It would be better for the public and the lads themselves if they were sent away." Each was sentenced to three years' detention at the Borstal Institute, a eimi.lar sentence being imposed on a youth, I aged 16, who admitted 18 charges of I breaking, entering and theft and misI chief. Oases for Welfare Officer.

Depredations extending over months were admitted by a youth, aged 19, and a companion, aged 13, who was stated to bo responsible for no fewer than 45) separate offences. Mr. Kelly said the boys' operations were carried out chiefly in Mount Eden. The cider had been responsible for the smaller one'n downfall. He had persuaded him to stay away from school and had encouraged him to steal. Their escapades included many thefts, and they had deliberately broken windows and electric light fittings. Tho younger boy was also charged with stealing a motor-car and bicycles. Oil ono occasion they knocked the top off a gas-meter and the gas flowed freely for five days, the total loss being estimated at *£2o.

"You have started along a very bad track," Mr. Cuttcn said to the younger offender, whom the senior detective said had been led into crime by his friend. "The only tljing we can do is to try to pull you back again on to the straight road." The elder culprit was admitted to probation for two years, the voungcr being committed to the care of the child welfare officer. Good Thrashing Recommended. For four hours the Court was fully occupied in dealing with the cases that followed. One boy, aged 11, was stated to have performed several thefts by crawling into shops on his hands and knees while the occupants were in back rooms. He had also stooped to the theft of cocoa money from his school on tvro occasions. This boy was placed under the care of the child welfare officer for two years.

A boy of 16 admitted "joy-riding" in several stolen motor-cars, a total of 17 charges being brought against him for all sorts of offences. "You will be placed under supervision for two years and your father will have to pay £l4 restitution," Mr. Cutten said. "I sincerely trust ho will give you a good thrashing as some value for the £l4 he has to pay for your folly. You are here on very seripus charges, and I hope you will see if you cannot pull yourself together." Another youth of 17 was placed on probation for two years on numerous charge* of breaking, entering and theft, it being stated he had been before the Court only two months previously. A total of 32 offences was admitted by a boy of_ 14. who also stole several motor-cars, received stolen goods and committed theft*. Ho was placed under the supervision of tho child welfare officer.