RACKETEERS IN BRITAIN

Evening Star, Issue 21099, 11 May 1932, Page 11

RACKETEERS IN BRITAIN

THREAT TO BUSINESS PEOPLE “ OTJR PUBLIC SAFETY FUND.” Scotland Yard was lately asked to investigate what appears to be the first case of “ racketering ” in Britain. The racketeer is an American creation. He offers to “ protect businesses and private individuals in return for money. The offer, of course, is really a threat. Mr James E. Neville, a director of a firm of beauty specialists in Knightsbridge, told an ‘ Evening News ’ correspondent that he had received the following document by post;— A POINT OR TWO OF INTEREST. (1) Persons employed in a minor capacity at chemists, druggists, etc., are rarely overpaid, but they have access to stock rooms! (2) Business is (especially yours) a “ survival of the fittest.” Rival firms would welcome an opportunity to do you a serious (business) injury. The. quality of your goods must be like “ Ciesar’s wife”—above suspicion! (3) Your commodities can be sold in the normal way—after receiving a slight alteration. To all outward appearances they would be safe. The aforementioned points are food for thought. (A demand is here made for subscription to “ our Public Safety Fund.”) *We wish to point out to you that “ non-subscribors ” have the privilege of becoming our advertisement to those who hesitate 1 Bearing in mind the importance _of the service we offer, the subscription is naturally .high. This, of course, is outset by our large “ staff.” We cover a large area and we pay well. Our charge is £25 per calendar month. Your first instalment is due on Monday, March 7, 1932. You will bo notified in regard to address, etc. N.B.—Failure to hear from you will mean that the “ starred ” paragraph will hold a bigger and more “ intimate ” interest— FOR YOUI The document was handed to Scotland Yard. The letter containing it was posted at Brighton.