LAUNCHES RANSACKED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1000, 17 June 1930, Page 10

LAUNCHES RANSACKED

PLEASURE FLEET-: HARD TO PROTECT PROBATION FOR THIEF The necessity for stringency in dealing with thieves who broke into launches was emphasised by ChiefDetective Hammond, in the Police Court this morning, when George Albert Howard pleaded guilty to four charges. Accused was admitted to probation and fined £5. Howard, a labourer, aged 25, pleaded guilty to four charges of theft from launch-owners. The thefts were committed at Devonport in March and April and the total quantity of goods taken was valued at £l7 3s 6d. The list included a razor, field-glasses, clothing, rugs and beer. There was a further charge of converting a dinghy, the property of Clarence Peter Vertue, valued at £B. at Devonport, on April 4. Mr. A. V. Fraer, who appeared for accused, explained that Howard had been drinking rather heavily. He had not previously been in any trouble. There were five charges, but the offences had all been committed about the same time. Howard’s employer would take him back and he was prepared to take out a prohibition order. “He has been in since Saturday and all the goods have been recovered. I ask for leniency,” counsel added. The chief-detective pointed out that accused had broken open cabin doors to get into the launches. It was impossible for boat-owners to take all their goods ashore. "Howard drinks and steals,” said Mr. Hammond. Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.: Do you think he could make good if I gave him a chance, Mr. Campbell? The Probation Officer: Yes, if he is prohibited. The Chief-Detective: Your Worship knows what difficulty we have with thefts from these boats and what a noise the owners make about it. "Yes, I know, but I don’t want to start accused off with a gaol term,” said the magistrate, admitting accused to probation for two years. A fine of £5 was also imposed. "That will make him work for nothing for a time,” said Mr. Hunt. Howard was prohibited and ordered to make restitution of 6s 6a.