CHIME IN NEW YORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19740, 13 September 1927, Page 14

CHIME IN NEW YORK.

BIG DECREASE THSS YEAR. RIGOUR OF THE LAW. SEVERE SENTENCES BY JUDGES. [FROM OVIt OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW YORK. Aug. 10. A big decrease in crimes of violence in New York, especially "hold-ups," during April. May und June of this year, as compared with the same three months of 1925 and 1926, is revealed by the Commissioner of Police. In some classifications, such as robberies of jewellery stores and messengers, the decrease was 100 per cent. There was»a great reduction in big "hold-ups." None at all was reported this year where tho loss was more than £2OOO, and there were only 13 where the loss was more than £2OO each. The total loss from "hold-ups" was only £9OOO, compared to more than £IOO,OOO for the June quarter of last year. The commissioner attributes the decrease in crime to the Baumes laws, vigorous prosecution by district attorneys, and severe sentences by Judges. "The deterrent effects of the so-called Baumes laws, and the co-operation of the district attorneys and the Courts in the prompt and vigorous prosecution and sentencing of those charged with serious crimes have beer-- of material aid to the department," the commissioner says. "I wish specially to emphasise the more severe sentences, and the keeping in custody of desperate and habitual criminals who formerly have been released after comparatively short prison terms, to continue their career of crime. The high character of the men in the service is another factor contributing to th» decrease in crime. Murder and manslaughter have decreased in numbers from 81 to 67 in two years, felonious assault from 576 to 511, assault and robbery from 328 to 207, and burglary from 1004 to 826 Hold-ups have decreased as follows: Jewellery shops and money messengers, 100 per cent.; offices, 92 per cent.; garages. 85 per cent.; payrolls, 85; trucks, 67; taxicabs, 47; drug stores, 28; restaurants. 18; other stores, 13 per cent.