POLICE REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1926, Page 1

POLICE REPORT

INCREASE IN SERIOUS CRIME

MORE CONSTABLES NEEDED

AYELLINGTON, July 28. Criminal records mentioned in the

annual report of tlio Commissioner of Police show an increase in offences

last year totalling 3445. Included in these are serious offences, for which there were SOS arrests, compared with Gl2 in tho previous year. Burglary arrests numbered 445, and 639 offences were reported. This crime appeared to have doubled last year, while the offence of receiving stolen property resulted in 110 arrests, compared with the previous year’s total of 73. Drunkenness accounted for 8277 prosecutions, an increase of 809, while 550 hotelkeepers were prosecuted, an increase of 73. Sly grog-selling convictions resulted in £1294 being imposed in fines, which was £IOOB more than the cost of securing convictions. Commissioner M’llvency declares that the present strength of the Polico Force is below that required for tho efficient administration and satisfactory performance of the multifarious duties imposed on the force. Apart from, the ordinary increase of work, Government departments show an increasing tendency to make use of polico services. Officers in charge of districts have asked for five additional sergeants and 72 constables. The Commissioner recommends the immediate appointment of an additional fifty constables. FIN G ER-PB TNT DETECTION.

A record number of detections through tho finger-print system is claimed by the Commissioner, of Polico for last year’s operations. In thirtyfour cases of breaking and entering, the system enabled the criminal to be detected. One particularly quick operation is mentioned : The Commercial Hotel and Rosenfeldt and Go’s premises, Auckland, were broken into. AVithin three hours of the start of examination of articles from the Commercial Hotel for fingerprints a telegram was on its way to the Auckland police informing them who the offender was. On tho following day another telegram was dispatched saying that tlio same person, according to the fingerprints found, was responsible for dynamiting the safe at Rosenfeldt and Co’s premises. He was located and pleaded guilty to both charges in tho lower Court.

On another occasion a police officer brought in some articles bearing fingerprints for examination, and was informed whose prints they were before lie left tho office, which was within half an hour of his arrival.