THE THREE-POCKET TRICK.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1291, 26 November 1896, Page 30

THE THREE-POCKET TRICK.

During the crush of the public after the opening ceremony to get to the Exhibition cycling track yesterday week, a pickpocket was descried at work by the sharp eyes of three youngsters who were dodging round selling programmes. The thief's mode of working the racket (said racket being women's pockets, of course) was curious enough to be interesting to a public which at present is hungering after particulars of the dark ways and vain tricks of spielers. His getup was of the most business-like nature, carrying in the one hand the something-in-the-city-looking bag and a small parcel, while over the other hand and arm lay a mackintosh —and it was under cover of this latter innocent and useful article he " did the trick." Sidling alongside a lady whose pocket lay cpen, the pick-pocket slid his hand therein for all it could get.

The youngsters saw this trick performed no less than three times, and then informed Detective Neill, avlio, with Constable Cox, soon located their man, brought him before the lads, who identified him without hesitation, whereupon he was arrested. Upon being searched nothing of a criminating nature was foundupon him —those women were Avise in their day, and no doubt when they read this article more than two of the women of Wellington will vejoice over the pieces of silver and gold that they were thoughtful enough to leave at home. One of the three women disturbed the thief in his work.

When taken in charge by the detective, the accused, who is a stranger to these parts, gave as family name that of Smith —plain John Smith, of Hobart;

but it is known that he has just come up from Christchurch* Yet another case of working the crowd for what its pockets were worth occurred in the crush outside during the time of the arrival of the Governor and party, when a lady felt a hand in her pocket, and turning quickly she observed a woman who seemed to have been disturbed in her attempt. Contenting herself with warning those about her to " beware of pickpockets " the lady resumed her interest in the passing show, and the woman probably sought fresh and easier pockets to pick.

That some interest was created in town by the arrest was evidenced by the attendance and interest shown on Thursday morning at the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court. The accused was well - dressed, young - looking, dark, sharp - featured, a specimen of a common colonial type, by no means criminal - looking. Mr Wilford appeared for his defence, and objected strongly to the way the police had made out their case. He claimed that there was no case against the accused, but Mr Greenfield decfdedthat an indictable charge against the accused held good, and under special circumstances adjourned the case until next mornin{?, the eharge reading : —" That the said John Smith did attempt to steal something unknown from the pers in of some person unknown." On Mr Wilford asking the accused if he could obtain bail, he replied, "I'm a stranger here." On "Friday the accused was committed for trial.