YOUNG SHOP-LIFTERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19451, 15 December 1934, Page 7

YOUNG SHOP-LIFTERS.

TWO SMALL BOYS CAUGHT. ROUND OF HAMILTON STORES. Heavy -depredations upon the stocks of -large department stores in Ha-m----dlton were brought to a -climax yesterday when two small boys, whose actions excited suspicions, were searched and found to be in possession of quantities of toys and other articles. These had obviously -been the hauls obtained in an orgy of shop-lifting. Following upon the removal of a marked article from one store on Thursday a keen watch was kept for the -return of the thief yesterday. Late In the afternoon two boys, -both about 11 years of age, were -seen loitering suspiciously in the shop. The manager approached them, and, deeming their answers to his enquiries unsatisfactory, ho submitted them to a search.

Both denied strenuously that ih'cy had been associated in any shoplifting episodes. 'But their claims to Innocence vanished when, within their shirts, there were found quantities of toys and other articles, which from their new appearance had obviously been taken from the show ■counters of several firms.

With one boy questioning gleaned little. He maintained that his name was “John Brown” and when he was being taken to bis home lie bolted from his escort. The second boy, however, who was of a more tractable nature, confessed that the shoplifting activities had been going for on ft Wcelc, though' bo maintained 'that he bad stolen only one article. The two hoys, who were severely admonished, were .escorted to their homes and action was taken to see that 'parental retribution took a more hasting form.