CRIME IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17296, 7 November 1921, Page 8

CRIME IN BRITAIN

PRISON COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS. (By Cable—Prew Aagociwtloft-Oapyrlglit.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association,) (Received November 6th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 5. The report of the Prison Commissioners states that there has been an increase of 1187 in the average" daily population of the prisons during the year, this being partly due to the troubles in Ireland. Some Governors say a new stamp of prisoner has come into existence, men and women with respectable antecedents taking to Berious crime owing to big money being no longer earned. The economic readjustments have created discontent among people who steal to provide luxuries which they have grown accustomed to. Pilfering on the railways is not common. Though crimes have increased during the year there have been only 43,916 convictions, as compared with 186,569 in 1908. Some authorities believe that the unemployment dole has prevented a great increase in crime which might have been expected owing to the distress due to unemployment. POSTAL CLERKS' REVOLVERS. (Received November 6th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 5. Owing to frequent cases 'of thieves holding up post offices in Britain, a number of postal clerks have been in the habit of carrying a revolver. The High Court has now decided that thiß is against the law. Officials have no right to be armed without special authorisation.