A high society woman’s secret life of crime was disclosed following a conviction for theft a century ago on 26th September 1923.
Mrs Helen Vera Maclaren was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for shoplifting and stealing – a harsh punishment by today’s standards. She had been described by her counsel as charming, well educated and artistic, but sadly was afflicted by a ‘moral kink’. Her husband was completely unaware of her having led a ‘double life’.
39-year-old Maclaren had been known to Police in her youth as an audacious and confirmed thief. It was said that at an early age, she had developed social ambitions and a love of luxury fed by her consumption of romantic literature.
At the age of 17, she had plunged into a life of crime and adventure during which she moved in the most exclusive circles and deceived some of the best-known people in society. She was 3 times convicted of theft – the 3rd conviction leading to a term of imprisonment.
Under the pseudonym Madeline Lloyd, Maclaren had set herself up in an expensive hotel in Cowes during Cowes week. The fashionably dressed and apparently wealthy woman won the friendship of titled ladies, who introduced her to members of the Royal Yacht Squadron. She was even said to have been presented to royalty.
However, unbeknownst to the smart set, she had been systematically defrauding tradesmen and stealing jewellery ever since her arrival at Cowes. At the height of her popularity, she was arrested.
At Bournemouth Police Court, Mrs Maclaren admitted to stealing a silver bag valued at £46, a cigarette holder valued at £60, clothing valued at £45 and a musquash coat valued at £60 (altogether around £11,000 in today’s values). The Police Superintendent also brought 8 further cases of shoplifting to the court’s attention.
Her counsel made an appeal for leniency on the grounds that her greatest punishment was her husband’s discovery of her criminal record. However, she was still sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
Mr Maclaren stated that on her release he intended to make a home for her in the country, away from shops and other temptations.
London Daily Chronicle, 26th September 1923
Key point here is that a pseudo rich person stole from actual rich people, hence the custodial sentence.
Interesting read, thank you!