Seahouses, Probus

To Catch A Thief
Weather picture from Monday January 4th 2016
 View across to the Farnes from Seahouses Harbour
Picture by Jane ColtmanWeather picture from Monday January 4th 2016
 View across to the Farnes from Seahouses Harbour
Picture by Jane Coltman
Weather picture from Monday January 4th 2016 View across to the Farnes from Seahouses Harbour Picture by Jane Coltman

Seahouses Probus chairman Ian Wilkinson opened the meeting and asked secretary Fraser Suffield to announce the apologies for absence, then wished those with upcoming birthdays our congratulations.

Fraser then gave his report of the satisfactory administrative condition of the club, but pointed out that we still had room for more members and that anyone wishing to join could contact him on 01665 576236.

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Fraser also spoke on behalf of the Bowling Club, which is short of members, and said that by contacting him people could find out about the details of the club and its facilities.

Alternatively, they could get in touch with Steve Clement on 01665 721203.

Our treasurer, Forbes Grant, then reported on satisfactory finances, and we were introduced to our speaker Yvonne Gilroy, who would talk on To Catch a Thief.

Yvonne is an ex-police sergeant, who served with the Durham force and subsequently became a security executive, working for such companies as Marks and Spencer, C&A, etc. In passing we were interested to hear that C&A is still trading on the continent.

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She was at pains to point out that there is no such crime as shoplifting, it is stealing, and also pointed out that thieves are from all classes and all walks of life.

We were treated to an example on the problems of shoplifting and the enormous loss of money suffered by the shops. Apparently, among the most popular thefts are razor blades, batteries (particularly Duracell), skincare products, contraceptives, tea bags and vitamins.

It is also necessary to be very careful when apprehending a thief and one must see the selection of the stolen articles, see its concealment, see the failure to pay and see the leaving of the store before arrest.

Finally, were given warnings about personal safety – no wallets in back pockets, please. And because there can be a number of simple scams by a few checkout employees, keep receipts and examine them, and be very careful with cash back.

There was an interesting question and answer section, after which Richard Postlethwaite gave a very appreciative vote of thanks, underlining his opinion as an ex-headmaster that shoplifting is theft.