HC Deb 11 November 1943 vol 393 cc1292-3
64. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases of housebreaking and theft of valuables, especially fur coats and clothing, that have been reported in the Metropolitan police district since September; and in how many instances have convictions been obtained?

Mr. H. Morrison

1,603 cases of burglary, housebreaking and similar offences were reported in the Metropolitan Police District during September and October, 1943. The available statistics do not classify these cases according to the kind of property stolen, and I regret, therefore, that I cannot say how many of them involved the theft of fur coats or other clothing. 439 arrests have been made in connection with these cases, but it is not yet possible to give particulars of the number of convictions obtained. Many cases are still pending before the courts, and in others further arrests may still be made.

Mr. G. Nicholson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these cases are of breaking in from premises that have been damaged in air raids, and that the police have no power to compel such premises to be put into such a condition that they cannot be used for breaking into adjoining ones?

Mr. Morrison

I will consider that point.