LARGER FLYING SQUAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 229, 27 September 1930, Page 3 (Supplement)

LARGER FLYING SQUAD.

NEW CARS WITH CHAINED HANDCUFFS. The Flying Squad—London's lightning detective force—is to be increased to a total of 60. At present the establishment of this famous body is 40. but Lord Byng has decided on un immediate addition of "20 officers and men. Fast cars are being constructed to provide for the new strength. They will be equipped with all the latest devices for the speedy tracking and chasing of raiders and other criminals. There will be novel and secret means of inter-communication, as well as apparatus for guarding captives. One of the latter ideas which will be incorporated is a stout chain and handcuffs securely fastened to the car itself. This will enable an officer to secure a prisoner and then leave the car if a comrade on foot needs assistance. It is expected that two inspectors will be included in the new personnel. The squad, which is to remain under the control of Chief Inspector Hambrook, who brought Sidney Fox i murderer of his mother in a Margate hotel) to justice, has effected many sensational arrests this year. Every member of the squad is an athlete, and many are speedy runners. They possess an unrivalled knowledge of the criminals of London, and during the past sis months have recovered stolen property to the value of many thousands of pounds. They often adopt disguises, and recently one of them was selling matches outside a "thieves' kitchen" iii the West End.