STOLEN PROPERTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4723, 11 July 1924, Page 1

STOLEN PROPERTY.

THE ARISTOCRATS OF CRIME. "FENCES” AND THEIR WAYS. The aristocrats of the criminal world are the “fences" —the name by which receivers of stolen property are known. If there were no “fences" there would be few thieves (declares Hugh Brady in the “Daily Mailss). Sir Ernest Wild, K.C., once described a "fence” as a person who remained hidden in his den working like a spider in its web—running few risks and reaping most of the gains of the thief, Many of the smart “fences" are known to the police, but the loyal support given them by those who take to them the plunder they secure makes it almost impossible for the smartest detectives to place them in the dock. For-the criminal who gives a “fence” away is a marked man for the rest of his life. Hi's name is never erased from the black list that circulates far and- wide. “Fences” even when captured are hard to convict—even When a crook turns "tail” it must be proved that stolen goods were purchased well knowing that they had been stolen. A “fence" can admit that a thief had told him that the goods had been, stolen after, payment had been made. The law in that respect is on his side. Many “fences” began, life as active .criminals, but soon found that woik behind the scenes was safer and more profitable.- The-thief Who has not the confidence of a good, “fence” spends most of his life in gaol. Clumsy efforts to dispose of stolen property always lead to the dock. There are many apparently respectable firms in London and the provinces • owned by "fences.” They can buy their stock in the cheapest market. Expert hands can change-the outward appearance of * most articles so well that even the cannot recognise their own property; But where alteration means depreciation goods can be shifted abroad, for .the ramifications of the receiving trade are world-wide.

The “good fence” is as loyal to the thief as the thief is loyal to him, and herein, lies the secret, of. the safety .with>.which.the “fence.” enriches himself . without. undue, risk. Ways and means are. found.-of, looking; after a thief’s t family when he falls by Me way. When a bread-winner, is in gaol those dependent on him. will not suffer, and. a smart thief; is sure of a cheery welcome when- he returns to freedom. The. tbiefl..who. shirks work and resorts, to threats is, soon taught a valutary lesson. His brother criminals insist-on him playing the game,