CRIME IN AUCKLAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21712, 30 January 1934, Page 13

CRIME IN AUCKLAND

DECLINE IN BURGLARIES "VIGILANCE OF POLICE While burglaries were exceptionally common in Auckland over Christmas and the New Year, comparatively few Lave been reported to the police during the past two weeks. Police officials regard tho position at present as extremely satisfactory. What was evidently at least one "gang" of thieves caused much concern in suburban districts, principally T'einuer'a, about a month ago, and considerable audacity was shown by the intruders, who enjoyed a measure of success. Numbers of residences were entered, the thieves apparently showing u preference for those homes vacated by holiday-makers, and many residents were afraid to leave their homes unguarded. A large quantity of clothing was taken by tho thieves, who appeared to have a woman among their number, but an especially serious feature of the offences was a tendency toward vandalism. Lately sncli olfonees have not been reported, and those responsible for Ihe series of thefts during tbe actual holiday season have given no indication of repeating their attentions. Tho vigilance exercised by the police lias no doubt caused the thieves to abandon their efforts.

During the past two months burglary has been the principal crime in AucltInnd. but it has recently been of no jnoro than ordinary prevalence. Thorn havo boon few other serious crimes, and on especially satisfactory aspect of the situation, the absence of violent crime throughout the holidays, has also held good.