SHOPLIFTER CAUGHT

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1778, 3 July 1926, Page 5

SHOPLIFTER CAUGHT

ESCAPES ON HARD LUCK STORY,

A glaring case of shoplifting in broad daylight was committed in Hamilton on Wednesday, says the Times. A man of middle age, wearing an overcoat, entered the shop of Mr E. Jones, Victoria Street,, Avhere he appeared greatly impressed with the value of the men’s working boots displayed in the passage near the front entrance. His anxiety to select the best possible value attracted Mr Jones’ attention and he inspected all classes of boots. He carefully enquired as to size and seemed impressed Avith those marked at £2, but as he did not have sufficient cash in his pocket he said he would call and get them later on. He Avas true to his Avord. for he returned during the lunch hour, when Mr Jones Avas absent. He evidently thought the attendant also Avas out, and that he was unobserved in the passageAvay, for he immediately helped himself to tAvo pairs of the best Zug boots Avhich he removed from the hooks by first cutting the string Avhich made them fast. He then calmly put them under the overcoat which he Avas carrying and Avalked off up the street.

When he reached Garden 'Place he Avas tapped on the -shoulder by an assistant who requested him to return to the shop Avith the boots. The thief appeared spellbound, and in his excitement he let one boot drop.

Upon reaching the shop he pleaded for a chance, Avhich Avas granted him, putting forward a tale of hard ■luck and ill-health. Moved by his story the assistant decided to allow him to go free. The man then left a pair of boots on the counter and walked out, carrying the overcoat rolled up beneath his arm. When he had proceeded as far as the door the assistant noticed that the overcoat Avhich the man carried beneath his arm Avas still bulky, and requested him to unroll the coat.. This he did, disclosing another pair of stolen boots. Even then he was alloAved to go on his Avay, but on hearing of the incident on his return, Mr Jones promptly informed the police of the affair.