CRIME IN AMERICA.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1920, Page 5

CRIME IN AMERICA.

UNPRECEDENTED IN CITIES CRIMINALS SHOT AT SIGHT. By Tdtgtai*.—Press N*w York, Dec. 22. Reports from Toledo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Boston, Philadelphia, and other American cities indicate an unprecedented crime wave. Hold-up*, robberies, burglaries attended with violence and mirdert art reaching an unusually high number. Chicago tas appointed art M-news-paper m*n Ftlice Commissioner. He has revitalised trw police for.'e, and they now shoot down all criminals caught in the act. The Commissioner declares that Chicago has ban no unsolved murder or hold-up 'or nix wveks, tfhich is considered a reco.d. The New York police force has been increased by 1200 men to cope with the situation. Robberies and murder* continue however, despite the best effort.? of the police. Chicago and New York have adopted a scheme for utilising a high-power motor car carrying e*-army sharpshoot;rs with repeating rifles to patrol the nity and shoot down thugs and robbers. The United States district attorney, Mr. Miledebetger, of New York, hag issued an appeal to the public to form a Citizens' League to suppress crime. The Mayor, Mr. Ryan has ordered citizens to arm themselves. The newspapers carry large advertisements connbelling the populace how to avoid robberies, The insurance companies declare that if the robberies continue they will be compelled to give up antitheft insurance. Judges throughout the country are increasing bail for apprehended criminals, speeding up trials and giving maximum sentences. Local banks and sth Avenue shops are fortifying against robbers and employing special armed exaervice men as guards.

The explanation of the crime wave is that the war taught the u.«e of firearms, unemployment, and the increasjcg psychological effect of war.