BOGUS DETECTIVE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18235, 20 November 1924, Page 5

BOGUS DETECTIVE.

SHOPKEEPERS DEFRAUDED. iIESCIJiL TO "TUB PBEM.") AUCKLAND, November 19. Tlio story of how a man appointed himself a detective on "tlio local staff and imposed on suburban shopkeepers was told at the Police Court when Frederick Henry Bowley (41) appeared on nine charges of theft, involving the sum of £l4, and nine charges of unlawfully assuming the designation of a detectiv.e.

Accused pleaded guilty. Detective O 'Sullivan said he interviewed accused on November 11th. Accused then admitted that ho had visited the Grey Lynn, Dcvonport, Ellerslie, and Penrose districts. Ho would go into chemists, grocers' and Chinese fruiterers' shops and inform the man behind the counter that he was a detective who was inquiring into tho theft of £1 notes from a city hotel. He would then ask leave to inspect several notes and would remark, "This is one of them," afterwards putting a mark on it and placing it safely in his pocket. He would then turn back the lapel of his coat and display a "detective's badge" to the unsuspecting shopkeeper. On one occasion accused was ushered into the back room of an Epsom shop, where he was given tho sum of £7O in notes to look over. He took away a £ 1 note and also a £5 note.

Chief Detective Cuinmiugs produced accused's list, which showed several convictions for theft since 1921. "It is a serious matter for a man to go round posing as a detective and proving on shopkeepers in this manner," added Chief Detective Cummings. Accused: I was under the influence of liquor and did not know wliat i was doing, Sir. Mr Poynton, S.M.: Oh, that's all bosh. You are a menace to the public and will have to be put away for a long stretch. You will be sentenced on one charge to six months' imprisonment, to be followed by two years' reformative treatment.