BRITISH CRIME AT ITS APEX.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 133, 8 June 1925, Page 5

BRITISH CRIME AT ITS APEX.

C.CNMEN AXD BANDITS. Tbe British people have bee. taken aback by the publication of statistics for 11)2.'). showing that crime, augmented chiefly by gunmen and bandits, has risen to tlie highest point in British history. And since the activity of tlie up-to-date criminal was more intense last year it is probable that 102-1 topped all records tlie total number of cases reported to the police iv 1023 was ]l(l.20(i. nearly 1.'5.000 more than in 11)22. Shopbreaking, housebreaking, and ail forms of dishonesty, accompanied by violence, are tbe categories iv which crime increased. This is ascribed to the bal.it acquired since the war of criminals working in gangs and using automobiles and firearms more freely. The figures, however, are deceptive, as they actually show a decrease in the relative number of criminals if growth of population is taken into account, and in some respects they show surprising improvement in British deport ment. Prosecutions for drunkenness were Sl.ll.">!) iv 1923. as against the average of 159.204 for tbe last four years belore the war. Homicides likewise fell, and crimes savouring of habitual criminality decreased, and commercial dishonesty, however, nre described as nourishing.