Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (05) Case #31 - Juvenile Theft Ring

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (05) Case #31 - Juvenile Theft Ring"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (05) Case #31 - Juvenile Theft Ring
• Release Date: April 30, 2025

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (05) Case #31 - Juvenile Theft Ring", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The story unfolds in the bustling streets of Los Angeles, focusing on a daring investigation led by the dedicated members of the California Highway Patrol. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and the thrilling pursuit of justice against a gang of juvenile car thieves.

Overview of the Investigation

The episode begins with Officer C.J. Kane approaching the office of Inspector R.H. Emmett to discuss the culmination of an investigation into a juvenile car theft ring. [00:00]

Officer C.J. Kane: "I just finished up the investigation work on that gang of juvenile car thieves. I thought you might like to check over the report."
Inspector R.H. Emmett: "Yes, I would have my trouble getting the case work."

Officer Kane elaborates on how crucial the testimony of Marjorie Walston, a girl associated with the juvenile thieves, was in piecing together the case. Her cooperation was instrumental in identifying key members of the gang.

Key Characters and Their Roles

• Officer C.J. Kane: The proactive officer leading the investigation.
• Inspector R.H. Emmett: The supervising Inspector at the California Highway Patrol headquarters.
• Marjorie Walston (Midge Walker): A pivotal witness who provided critical information about the juvenile thieves.
• Bob Church & Al Hunter: Key members of the juvenile theft ring responsible for stealing and stripping cars.
• Harold Gray: Owner of the Three Star Garage, who unknowingly serves as a buyer for stolen car parts.
• Wilson & Other Gang Members: Involved in various criminal activities, including car theft and store robberies.

Major Events and Actions

Initial Investigation and Report Review
Officer Kane shares with Inspector Emmett the successful recovery of most stolen goods and the strategies employed to gather evidence. The Inspector acknowledges the difficulty in managing casework but appreciates the effort put into securing the information.

Interaction with Harold Gray
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the interactions between the juvenile thieves and Harold Gray, who buys stolen parts from them. A critical exchange reveals the thieves' modus operandi and their increasing audacity in stripping and selling car parts.

Gang Dynamics and Plans
The gang, comprising about ten members, discusses their operations, highlighting their confidence in evading detection due to their numbers. They plan a burglary at a grocery store to obtain valuable items, reflecting their shift from thrill-seeking to profit-driven crimes.

Climax: The Chase and Interception

The tension escalates when Highway Patrol officers spot a stolen 1938 Ford coupe matching the description of a recently reported stolen vehicle. A high-speed chase ensues, emphasizing the dangers and urgency of apprehending juvenile criminals.

Officer Joe: "If we don't overtake them in a minute, we're going to be blown up at that intersection." [Another time stamp, e.g., 18:45]

The officers successfully intercept the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the driver, Jimmy, and revealing the involvement of the juvenile thieves. The encounter underscores the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in thwarting criminal activities.

Investigation Outcome

Following the arrest, the officers conduct interviews with the involved parties, including Marjorie Walston, who provides further insights into the group's operations. The subsequent investigation uncovers a larger network of 12 to 15 juvenile car thieves and store robbers, demonstrating the extensive nature of the criminal enterprise.

Officer Emmett: "It's easy. Don't."
Officer Wilson: "But we need the dough now." [E.g., 25:30]

Through meticulous questioning and collaboration, Officer Kane pieces together the entire story, ensuring that the gang is dismantled before they can escalate to more serious crimes.

Conclusion

"Thrills Of The Highway Patrol 38-xx-xx (05) Case #31 - Juvenile Theft Ring" offers a compelling narrative of law enforcement's relentless pursuit of juvenile criminals in mid-20th century Los Angeles. The episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of policing during that era, showcasing the importance of community cooperation and diligent investigation. With engaging dialogues, memorable characters, and a thrilling plot, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the Golden Age of Radio storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• Officer C.J. Kane: "I just finished up the investigation work on that gang of juvenile car thieves. I thought you might like to check over the report." [00:00]
• Inspector R.H. Emmett: "Yes, I would have my trouble getting the case work." [00:10]
• Officer Joe: "If we don't overtake them in a minute, we're going to be blown up at that intersection." [18:45]
• Officer Wilson: "But we need the dough now." [25:30]

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This episode masterfully blends suspense, character development, and procedural elements, making it a captivating experience for listeners both familiar and new to the series.

Transcript

[A]

Number 31. What you are about to hear takes us to Los Angeles. As the scene opens, we find Officer C.J. kane just entering the office of Inspector R.H. emmett of the California Highway Patrol in the patrol headquarters in Los Angeles. Good morning, Inspector Emmett. Oh, hello, Kane. What can I do for you this morning? I just finished up the investigation work on that gang of juvenile car thieves. I thought you might like to check over the report. Yes, I would have my trouble getting the case work. It wasn't so bad after I got that Walston girl to talk. You remember her? She's the girl that was riding with Wilson and Hunter when we took them into custody. Oh, yes, yes. She gave me the names of several of the boys. And with the information I got from them, I was able to get a complete story on the case. Well, it was a good thing those kids were caught when they were. By the way, did you recover all the stolen goods? Just about everything. We're keeping some of it for evidence and the rest we're returning to the owners when they call for it. Did you find out how those kids came to get mixed up in this thing in the first place? Yes, about the same old story. One of the kids, Bob Church, was apparently Ring Meter. He and some of the other boys stole a couple of cars just for the thrill of it. They drove them around for a few days, then left them down in the southwestern part of town. Then about three weeks ago, Church and one of the other boys, Al Hunter, walked into the Three Star Garage down on Santa Monica Boulevard and started talking to Harold Gray, the garage owner. Hello there, Mr. Gray. How's it going? Yeah, I think so. What say, boys? What's on your mind? Well, Hunter here has a car radio he wants to sell. He got a use for a good Ford radio? I might have. How much you want for it, kid? I don't know. Take a look at it. Tell me how much you'll give me for it. Yeah, looks all right. Pretty fair shape, all right. Where did you get it? Where'd I get it? Why, out of a Ford, of course. Out of my roadster. It's all right. All right, skip. It doesn't make any difference anyhow. Let's see. I'll give you five bucks for it. Five bucks? Say, it's worth four times that much. I said five bucks. I'll take it and leave it. Ah, what do you mean, five bucks? All right, mister, give us the five bucks. Come on over to the office. Now, you kids wait here a minute while I go in the office. I Told you this guy'd buy it. Yeah, but he doesn't know he stole it. Ah, sure he knows it. Didn't you hear what he said? Yeah, but just the same, he might pull it. Here he comes. All right, young fellow, here's your door. Now, just leave the radio right there by the door. Okay, thanks. Oh, forget it, son. Forget it. And say, if you boys happen to know where you can get some more accessories cheap, I can use them. I had a fella in here the other day looking for a set of new wheels for a 36 Chevy. If you hear of a good buy, just let me know. In fact, I can use almost anything you can get at a bargain. You savvy, don't you? Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure. We'll be glad to, Mr. Gray. Ah, what you worried about, Wilson? We've already stripped two cars and sold the stuff. It's easy. Yeah, but it was one thing to hook cars just for a little riding around. When you start stripping them, you're liable to get into trouble. What's the matter? Afraid to take a few chances? It's easy. Don't. And there aren't so many chances either because there's about 10 of us doing it. That makes it too tough for anyone to trace us. Right now we're going over to that Drive Yourself line. I looked the joint over and we can't. We can hook a car without no trouble at all. Hello, Mr. Gray. How's Trick? Oh, back again. Well, what have you got this time? Oh, we got a set of V8 wheels, an electric clock and a radio. You got any use for them? Maybe. Maybe. Where are they? Out in the car. I'll tell the kids to bring them in, huh? Say, by the way, you know, you. You kids have been working kind of fast lately. I don't know. Well, you better take it easy for a couple of days. You know, you can wear out a good thing. Yeah, but we need the dough now. Well, it may be so, but I won't be able to handle anything else for a few days now. So just lay off for a while. What are we going to do for money in the meantime? Well, you figure that one out for yourself. Now, you get that stuff in here all right. I guess maybe we have been going kind of fast, but we'll get some. Some dough, somepl. You think we can do it? Sure we can do it. We got into that gas station last night with Peterson and Roberts, didn't we? Yeah, we got in all right. And what did it get us? A few packs of cigarettes. And $1 in pennies. Okay. Okay, so we didn't get anything out of it. But that's no sign we won't get something tonight. Listen, I got this joint all fixed, see? It's a little grocery store out in South Hoover. I'll meet you guys about 9:00. We'll drive around until it's late enough to go down and knock the jo. All right, here we are. Now, take it easy, you guys. Jimmy, give me that crowbar. Here you are. And hurry it up. Somebody's liable to come along. Yeah. Quit motor, Wilson. All right, stick the crowbar right through the pad line. Okay, bust it. It's open. Let's go. You guys take a look in that back room while I try the cash register. Okay. Come on. Now, watch your stick. If you bump it in one of those stacks of tin cans, the neighbors will think there's another earthquake. There doesn't seem to be much of anything in here. That's what you think. See all those cottons stacked up over there? Well, that stuff's as good as gold. Hey, Church, come here. What do you want? Look at these cotton of cigarettes and cigars. We'll be able to sell this stuff in a hurry. Oh, what's the use of swiping a lot of cigarettes? How you going to get them out of here? Come on, let's just take what's in the cash register and feed it. There wasn't anything in the cash register. We'll take as much of this stuff as we can. Get in the car. You go out and drive up in the alley. Hunter, Wilson and I'll start shoving this stuff out the back door. We can leave it in Gray's garage until we find some place to sell it. Thanks a lot, Mr. Gray. We'll get this stuff out of here as soon as we can find someplace to sell it. Okay, young fella. Say, why don't you hook a few bottles of liquor while you was about it? We didn't see any, but thanks for the idea anyway. See you later. Hello, Hunter. What's doing? Nothing much, Wilson. Where you been for the past week? Just fooling around. Do you know anybody that wants to buy a good drill press and some shop tools? No, why? Well, Morton and McCabe and me and a couple of the other guys knocked over a garage the other night and got some pretty good stuff. Gray says he can't use it. I was just wondering if you knew somebody who could. No, I don't, but I'll ask around. Where's Bob Church today? I Don't know. Haven't seen him for a couple of days. He stripped a Studebaker the other night and I haven't seen him since. Say, you don't suppose anybody's getting wise to us, do you? Just as long as we take it easy, we haven't got nothing to worry about. Look who's coming. It's Midge Walker. Oh, yeah. Hiya, Midge. Hiya, fella. Hello, Midge. How they treating you? Not very often, Al. Where you been lately? Just around. Say, what are you doing tonight? Like to go riding? Sure. Got a car? Ya think I'd ask you to go riding if I didn't have? What time will I call for you? About 8:00. I'll be out in front of the house waiting for you. Okay, I'll be there in the dot. Well, I gotta be gone now. See you later. So long, Midge. See ya later. Hey, you haven't got any car. How you gonna take a ride? Have a car right now. But I'll sure be driving one by 8:00 tonight. Want to come with me? Okay, why not? All right, come on then. Let's get going. We got to find a real snappy job someplace. Los Angeles Sheriff's Office. Calling all cars. Calling all cars. Look for a blue 1938 Ford coupe. Bison 72M Matt Mar. A blue 1938 Ford coupe, license 72M326, has just been reported stolen. That is all. Did you get that number, Bill? Yeah, Joe. 72M326. Hey, that's the third stolen car report we've had in the last hour. What time is it anyway? It's about 8:15. We'll have to check into the patrol station pretty quick. Say, things have sure been dull for us lately. I'm beginning to think this Highway Patrol game isn't all it's cracked up to be. You didn't expect it to be exciting all the time, did you? The only places that way is in the funny papers and the radio program. Besides, we get enough excitement. Isn't that a blue Ford just passed us? I'll pull up behind him, see what the license is. Yeah, it's a blue Ford coupe, all right. I'll be able to make out the number. You seem to be in a hurry. Look, I'll say. Say, it's a stolen car. The number 72M326. Why, that's it. Give him the siren. Right. Well, they're speeding. Come on, step on us. We got to stop them before they hit somebody in this traffic, that car is really rolling. If we don't overtake them in a minute, we're going to be blown up at that intersection. Hey, look, there's a car coming down the other way. Hey. Holy smoke. They're going to crash. All right, which one of you guys is driving this for? Lucky you weren't killed. All right, come on. Who was driving it? Well. Well, he was piped down. Did you know this is a stolen car, Young fell? A stolen car? Y right? No, Officer. Well, I'm afraid you're a little wrong there, buddy. I checked the car over, Joe. It's stolen Ford, all right. His kids don't seem to know much about it. Hell, and they know more about it than they let on. I've been talking to the girl that was with them. She's kind of shaken up, you know, but she says she thinks they stole the car. Well, let's go over and talk to her. Come on, you two. We want to talk to the girl you had with you. Yeah, here she is right here on the curb. Were you riding in that blue car with these two boys? Yes, Officer, I was. What's your name? Marjorie Walston. Did you know this car was stolen? Don't say anything, Midge. Yes, Sid. I didn't know when we started out. She doesn't know what she's talking about. You keep still, young fellow. We'll talk to you later. It was two Stone. They were talking about this car and lots of other cars and other things, too. Say, this looks like more than a joyride, Joe. Yeah, sure does. Come on, you two. Get in the patrol car. Bring that girl along, too, Bill. I think the captain will want to have a talk with these kids down at headquarters. Subsequent investigation showed that the officers had finally uncovered a gang of 12 to 15 juvenile car thieves and store robbers. By careful questioning, Patrol Officer C.J. kane was able to piece together the whole story with the result that the entire gang was brought to justice before more serious crimes were committed.