POLICE REPRISAL

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1932, Page 6

POLICE REPRISAL

LONDON MOTOR SQUADS. TO DEAL WITH BANDITS. LONDON, February 19. Drastic measures to cope with criminals of “the dangerous model n type,” referred to by Mr Du Parcq, K.C. in his report on the Dartmoor prison riot, arc suggested by Scotland Yard’s latest move.

The first step, arming the motor police to deal with the growing menace ol armed bandits, has been taken with their equipment with revolvers in cars patrolling the LondonBrighton road, were a gang of dangerous criminals recently has been operating. The authorities are considering similarly equipping provincial (lying squads. Bandits awe becoming increasing numerous and daring. The Secretary of State, Sir Herbert Samuel, revealed in the House of Commons that 131 bandit crimes occurred i n Greater London during the last three months. One ol the latecsl and most daring outrages occurred when bandits (lashed treacle and plaster in t l,c fact of a Hatton Garden jeweller walking near Oxford Street in the davtiine. and seized his bag of jewels, valued at £12.601), then escaping b.v motor.

An ex-Scotland Yard officer points out that criminals formerly working alone now are compelled to combine in order to make a quick get-away by motor. He expresses the opinion Mai mnigs are often formed in prisons.

The Rrison Commissioners are specially studying whether an alteration is needed in the methods of detention and punishment- of bandits and gang' tilers.