CARGO PILLAGING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24250, 16 April 1942, Page 8

CARGO PILLAGING

MENACE IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, April 9 Well-organised gangs of cargo pillagers are believed to be operating on the waterfronts of Australian ports. The police are seeking wider powers to deal with the menace. During 1938-39 overseas ship-owners paid £15,000 in claims at Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne. Sydney, , and Brisbane. In 1939-40 the total rose to £31,492—m0re than double the previous 12 months' payments. In spite of many convictions, pillaging increased and in the last 12 months claims amounted to nearly £70,000.

One of the difficulties facing the authorities in the anti-pillaging campaign is the scarcity of competent watchmen—men who are capable of dealing with tough characters. An over-zealous watchman takes his life in his hands. The tough criminals will stop at nothing. Watchmen have been assaulted, but the police have been powerless to act. as the victims either Could not see their assailants in the dark or would not divulge their identity for fear of further attacks. The police are convinced that in Sydney at least pillaging has been highly organised. The most ingenious methods are employed to remove goods from the wharves. False pockets and other devices are employed. One man for a long time was carrying off 51b. of tea each shift by filling a stocking, which he secreted in the arm of an overcoat slung over his arm. Another used a special vest, full of pockets, in which pens, razor blades, small bottles of perfume and other easily concealed articles were hidden under his ordinary vest and coat. Lunch-bags with false bottoms were also used.