RACKETEERS IN BRITAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21647, 18 May 1932, Page 10

RACKETEERS IN BRITAIN

THREAT TO BUSINESS PEOPLE "OUR PUBLIC SAFETY FUND." Scotland Yard was lately asked <o investigate what appears to be the first case of “ racketeering ” 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 chpmists, 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 “ Caesar'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 arc food for thought. (A demand is here made for subscription to “ Our Public Safety Fund ”). We wish to point out to you that “ non-subscribers ” have the privilege of becoming our advertisement to those who hesitate! 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 be 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 YOU! The document was handed to Scotland Yard. The letter containing it was posted at Brighton.