On This Day, 29 March 1917

Birmingham Mail

Thursday 29 March 1917

BOYS ON A ROOF

POLICEMAN’S NIGHT CAPTURE IN BIRMINGHAM

At the Birmingham Police Court, this morning, before the Stipendiary, John Wood (17), 157 Windsor Street; Sidney Facer (16), 4, Francis Street; John Beddows (16), 2 back 52 Heneage Street; and Thomas Warrilow (15), 25, Adams Street, were each fined £1 and ordered to pay £4 worth of damage in a remarkable case.

At 9.30 last night Police Constable Hodgkiss, hearing a suspicious noise, examined the premises of Newton and Co., chemical manufacturers, Holt Street. With the aid of a ladder he reached the roof, where the lads were found with a crowbar and a sledge hammer in their possession. Having handcuffed Woof and Beddows together, the constable held his staff over the other two, and in this position they remained on the roof until help came.

Holes had been made all over the roof, and the damage was estimated by a representative of the firm to amount to £30.