GIRL BURGLARS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 698, 6 May 1916, Page 10

GIRL BURGLARS.

TWO YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS. STRANGE CASE IN POLICE COURT. Two voung women appeared in the Magistrate's Court this morning, charged with being the authors of a series of petty burglaries reported from the suburbs. Their names are: —Winifred Grace Beadle (1!) years), and Beatrice Todd (17 years). They were each charged that on May 5, at St. Albans, they broke and entered the dwellinghouse of William Hunter Keand, with intent lo commit a crime. Chief-Detective Herbert asked that the accused, Beadle, be requested lo give her correct name. The accused said her name was Winifred Grace White. Her stepfather's name was Webber. Beatrice Todd said her correct name was Beatrice Gertrude Anderson. Chief-Detective Herbert said the accused were wanted for similar offences at Mosgiel. Mr Bishop: They are only young girls, one 10 and the other 17. Where do they come from? Chief-Detective Herbert: They came from Mosgiel, and took a house at Sydenham, which they partly furnished. They then went round the district breaking and entering houses and taking properly whereever possible. In some cases they used axes and coal shovels to gain entry. The younger girl appears to have been completely under the control of the elder girl. Mr Bishop: I suppose these girls are the cause of the recent burglaries that have occurred in and around Ihe city. Chief-Detective Herbert: Yes. there are further charges pending against them. I would ask for a remand till Monday week. The accused were asked if they would go to the Salvation Army Home in the meantime, but the accused White said she preferred a Catholic home. The Magistrate refused lo allow them to go anywhere but the Salvation Army Home, and said he would remand them in [he ordinary wav.