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Theft of Bicycles
Suffolk and Essex Free press 22
april 1943
Bures "Special' Commended Young Cycle Thieves- Caught By
Prompt Action
The alertness a Bures Special Constable, who, after overhearing
a conversation at a dance, kept observation on the movements o£
three youths resulted in a prosecution Boxford Sessions on Friday,
when George Williams, 55, Cross Street, Sudbury, and William Charles
Alleston, 64, Melford Road, Sudbury, both labourers, were summoned
for stealing a gent's bicycle, value £3, the property of
James P. Thompson, of Wormlngford, and lady's cycle, value £5,
the property of Miss Betty Lazell, Wortningford, on 27tb March,
1943, at Bures St. Mary.
Both pleaded guilty.
Supt. H. Hurst told the Court that Williams and Allesaton, with
another lad, went to Bures by bus and attended a dance the Victory
Hail.
While they were there Special Constable White, who. was on duty,
overheard a conversation by the youths the effect that if they
were were leaving the hall and three bikes were pinched they would
be for it.
In consequence of that conversation, the special constable spoke
to PC Bigmore and close observation was kept on the defendants.
A little later one of the men left the hall and removed three
bicycles, placing them near the entrance gate in a convenient
place for getting away quickly.
Just before the dance finished the owner of one of those machines
left the hall and found that her bicycle had been moved.
When she found it she took. It away, leaving the other two machines
near the gate.
The defendants did not take the two bicycles which were left,
but went to the rear of the hall, picked up three more bicycles
and rode off on them.
The constable thereupon got on his bicycle and went after them.
When stopped, one of the men pushed the machine.into the constable
and ran oft, and the second one dismounted, left the bicycle and
ran back to the hall.
Upon being caught the defendants told the constable untruths.
Williams stating that he had had the machine dour years. When
told by SC White that he was suspected of stealing the machine
became very impertinent.
Alleston, who was caught near the entrance gate denied knowing
anything about bicycle. Supt. Hurst said the police officer got
In touch with him, and on his Instructions the defendants were
conveyed to Sudbury by car.
On the way there they treated the matter a huge Joke. The owner
of the lady’s machine was Land .Army girl who had ridden
four miles to the dance.
Supt. Hurst .told the Magistrates that he made inquiries about
the youths, and had ascertained that Alleston. who was a member
of the Home Guard and was in uniform on the night In question,
appeared to be a very discontented young man. moving about from
place to place of employment. and his wages were approximately
£4 10s. per week.
Williams was earning £4 week. The Bench said they considered
the defendants did a very foolish, dirty, mean sort thing, and
they must realise that they would have to pay the penalty for
such an action.
They would each have to pay a line of £6.
The Chairman (Mr. Duncan Eastman) said the Court desired to compliment
Special Constable White for hia alertness and prompt action.
Supt. Hurst also added his tribute to Special Constable White,
remarking that did a smart job of work, which was appreciated.
Asked about payment of the fines, the defendants said they had
no money, and the Magistrates allowed them a fortnight in which
pay. A third lad appeared before a Juvenile Court on a similar
charge and was fined £3.
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