THIEVES’ METHODS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 806, 29 October 1929, Page 1

THIEVES’ METHODS

PAWNBROKER REPLIES TO BUSINESS MAN ISSUE OF CHALLENGE A further challenge to the Karangahape Road business man who attributes much of the shoplifting evil in Auckland to the facilities for disposal of stolen goods has been issued by a city pawnbroker. In a letter to The Sun lie writes as follows: The statement of the business man concerning the shoplifting case heard in the Police Court last Wednesday is entirely without foundation, and absolutely contrary to fact. Obviously disappointed that the Chamber of Commerce declined to act on the suggestion of his organisations, he attempts to strengthen his much weakened case by entirely mis-stating the issue and in doing so he casts a further aspersion on the pawnbroker. He states, ‘‘The Sun in its account of the case made it clear that the thief would have escaped had it not been for the action of a detective who happened to pass by at the time.” My reading of the account was entirely different. However, the following are the facts:—The pawnbroker, suspecting the boots were stolen, first took a description of the man; he then questioned him where they were purchased, and on being told America, his suspicions were confirmed, having noticed the price marked underneath in English money. He was in the act of telephoning the police when Detective Packman walked in the shop. The detective was immediately sent after the thief, who was subsequently arrested and convicted. Now, if “Business Man” can disprove these facts we will donate £ 5 to the Rev. Jasper Calder’s Mission. Surely “8.M.” will not characterise this challenge as bluff? In issuing this challenge, we will give him every opportunity to substantiate his statement, and will therefore indemnify him against any libel action. Now, Mr. Karangahape Road Business Man, what have you to say? All we ask of you is to play the game.

In the report mentioned above, which was published in The Sun on October 23, the following sentence appeared: “According to Acting-Detective Packman, Cohen [a second-hand dealer} had pointed out Reugen to him.”