SERIES OF CRIMES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21624, 9 April 1940, Page 4

SERIES OF CRIMES

Boys Before Court Breaking, Entering And Theft Over a period of four months a number of business houses in Timaru have been broken into and goods and money stolen. Some difficulty was experienced by the police in detecting the offenders, but eventually they were discovered, and were dealt with yesterday. Three boys appeared in the Children’s Court before Mr H. Nforgan, S.M.. and Mr W. Thomas, but only two of them were actually concerned in the thefts. The first lad, aged 10, was charged with breaking and entering the shop of W. Willmott with intent to commit theft. Detective N. Kempt said that a series of offences of breaking and entering occurred during the school holidays, and for some time after. With two other boys, the lad before the Court went to the back of Willmott's shop, and while the other two entered the shop, the youngest boy was left outside to keep watch. When they came out they gave the boy 2id. This boy had not been long in Timaru, and had not been in trouble before. The indications were that he had been led astray by the older boys. Mr D. R. Lloyd. Boys’ Welfare Officer, said that the lad, who had a good home, was the victim of circumstances. The boy was admonished and discharged. Two other boys, aged 16} and 13. then appeared on three charges of breaking and entering with intent to commit theft, and three charges of breaking and entering and theft. The premises involved were W. Willmott, G. E. Maxwell (both in the Arcade), Agnes Sherry (Park Kiosk), Maori Hill Tennis Pavilion. England. Mcßae s and the counting house of W. A. Petrie. Mr A. D. Mcßae appeared for the grandparents of the older boy. Methods Em iloyed Detective Kempt said that Willmott’s shop was broken into once by forcing a door and breaking a window, and once by breaking a window and lifting the latch. The sum of £4/4/7 was missing on one occasion, but the boys had no idea how much they had stolen. Entry into Maxwell’s premises was gained by smashing a cellar window. Cigarettes, matches, chewing gum and a propelling pencil were stolen. At England. Mcßae’s the boys had climbed on the roof and opened a skylight. Evidently they had intended climbing down the rope used to open the skylight, but this had broken and so they could get no further. At the Park Kiosk they had climbed onto a cellar door and smashed a window. From here they stole sweets and soft drinks. Entry into Petrie's was ak > effected through a window. They found a cheque, but did not use it. An attempt had been made to force a door at the Maori Park pavilion, but without success.

Detective Kempt added that the business people had been very concerned regarding the thefts, and for a long time it was not known whether boys or men were responsible. The propelling pencil was the only article recovered. Mr Lloyd said that the association between the boys had been something of a problem, as one of them was subnormal. Apparently both had had too much free lorn, and needed a sha j lesson. Mr Mcßae urged on behalf of the grandparents of the older boy that they be given a chance to take him in hand, as they had been unaware that he had been getting into trouble. “Little Criminals” Questioned as to how the offences had commenced, the older boy said that they visited one shop and finding a door open had gone in. The Magistrate: Having been successful once, you carried on. The boy: Yes. The Magistrate said that the circumstances showed a serious state of affairs. They had committed crimes for which, if they were men. they could be sent straight to prison, and that would mea a life of misery. Both showed criminal tendencies which would have to be checked. They required oversight and they would get it. “You are two little criminals, according to the charges." he said, “and you have to live it down and show that this is just an isolated occasion, and not indicative of your c .aracter.”

Both were placed under the charge of the Welfare Officer for two years, and were ordered to make restitution of the money stolen in equal ;hares.