SHOPLIFTING.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1924, Page 2

SHOPLIFTING.

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AUCKLAND, M 25. A matter which created considerable discussion at the recent drapers* conference in Auckland was introduced by a Wellington delegate, who touched upon, the question of shoplifting. Every member of the Conference was emphatic that shoplifting throughout the Dominion was indulged in to an alarming extent, and it was unanimously agreed that Courts were far too lenient in the treatment of proved offenders. All big firms employed shopwalkers, whose duty it was to detect thieving, but the shoplifter had resorted to many ingenious methods, and was not to he caught. Instances were quoted where shoplifters had been caught red-handed with stolen goods, hut not only had the Court extended most lenient treatment but orders had even been made lor the suppression of the olleuder’s name in the newspapers. Alany of the thieves could be termed professional shoplifters. They were persons well dressed and very often not really in need of the goods, and an instance was mentioned of a young woman receiving £4 per week who it was proved had stolen from three shops. She was placed on probation and an order made that her name should not he published. ( ases were mentioned of women who armed themselves with wrapping paper used

by certain firms, and who stole and wrapped them up in the shop in blue, brown, or whatever coloured paper that particular firm might be using. It was mentioned that only in Christchurch did magistrates deal severely with shoplifters, and this had led to a great diminution in the number of eases in that city.

After much discussion, the conference carried a resolution urging tlm Minister of Justice to investigate curtail cases and asking him to suggest to magistrates that in the best interests of the eommunty the publication of names was absolutely desirable. In conversation this morning sevoiul beads of drapery firms in the city stated that the loss resulting Iroin shoplifting ran into a large sum. and one man said that since the beginning of the present- year his firm had lost furs alone to the value of £IOB. '1 he amount lost by Auckland drapers each year ran into thousands of pounds. Another man said that unless the Courts were more severe with offenders, shoplifting: would never be even partially suppressed. AVliile shoplifting was rife there was a suspicion c-ast upon staffs that should not be.