STOLEN GOODS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1069, 5 September 1930, Page 1

STOLEN GOODS

SHOULD PAWNBROKERS BE COMPENSATED?

BOOT MAN APPEALS TO S.M.

A strong protest against the compensation of second-hand dealers in cases where goods later found to be stolen were ordered to be returned to their respective owners, was voiced by Mr. E. E. Kitchener, of K.K. Footwear, Limited, during the hearing of a shop-lifting case at the Police Court today. Annie Hartley, a domestic, aged 54, was charged with the theft of five pairs of shoes of a total value of £4 12s 6d, between August 26 and September 2. She pleaded guilty. “She has a list of 41 convictions on other charges.’ said Chief-Detective Hammond. “In this case she stole these shoes from various shops and sold them to a second-hand dealer.' Major Annie Gordon: It’s quite a new thing for Annie to take up stealing. She says she did it to pay her rent, but I scarcely believe that. She has been treated well and looked after by us in the past, but I think it would he better if she was sent to gaol for a while. “THREE MONTHS” “Three months,” said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.. who ordered that the shoes be returned and 26s compensation be paid to the dealer. “May I ask that they be returned without compensation to the pawnbroker?” asked Mr. E. E. Kitchener, from whose business one pair had been stolen. “This buying of stolen goods from people shows laxity on the part of the dealers/* Mr. Hunt: You should take precautions that your goods cannot be stolen. “I’ve tried everything,” said Mr. Kitchener. “I even wired the boots to a pole, but the thieves took the pole. Pawnbrokers should be taught to be more careful.” Mr. Hammond: You must not make accusations. Mr. Kitchener: I can substantiate everything I say. “If we hadn’t taken the shoes along to you, you would never have known they were stolen,” said the chiefdetective. "Chain your boots up,” advised Mr Hunt. Mr. Kitchener again said it was us ®l e _ss. He then left the Court. “Well, there’s something to be said for his argument,” said the magistrate. “Second-hand dealers shouldn't buy new boots.” Mr. Hammond: Yes, and tliev shouldn’t buy them from Annie Hartley in particular.