§ 31. Mr. STOURTONasked the Home Secretary how many cases of bag-snatching from pedestrians have been reported in the Metropolitan area during the past 12 months; and how many convictions have been secured during the same period?
§ Sir H. SAMUELStatistics of this special type of larceny from the person are not available and could not be collected without much expenditure of time and labour, but I can give the figures of all kinds of larcenies from the person for the latest period for which they are available, namely, the 11 months from January to November, 1931, inclusive. There were in the Metropolitan police district 517 cases known to the police, who made 262 arrests, resulting in 100 convictions. In addition, 47 persons were dealt with as guilty without formal conviction, and 20 were discharged for want of sufficient evidence.
§ Mr. STOURTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this type of crime is on the increase; and is he prepared to consider taking additional precautions to protect the public?
§ Sir H. SAMUELYes, Sir, the Commissioner of Police has this matter very present to his mind.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that, if the public themselves would assist, in this matter, many of these fellows could be pinched without very much trouble?
§ 32. Mr. STOURTONasked the Home Secretary haw many cases of theft of baggage, or other articles, from ears have been reported in the Metropolitan area during the past 12 months; and how many convictions have been secured during the same period?
§ Sir H. SAMUELFigures of this kind have to be specially collected and are available only for the period between 1st November, 1931, and 17th February, 1932, and for the centre of London. In that period 479 cases of this kind took place, and 46 persons were arrested.