HC Deb 01 February 1962 vol 652 cc1279-81
30. Sir B. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many wage snatches have been made known to the police in each of the past three years; what were the annual sums involved; and in how many cases the criminals have been caught.

Mr. Renton

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures for the Metropolitan Police District.

Sir B. Janner

Is the Minister satisfied that all possible steps to deal with this serious situation are being taken and that the most careful consideration is being given to such methods as might be used to prevent this kind of crime?

Mr. Renton

Yes. The Commissioner is constantly devising new methods to meet this danger. It obviously would not be in the public interest to mention them. I should, however, say that owners also have a part to play and the Commissioner, like other chief officers of police, offers advice to firms which have large packets of wages to be carried. It is hoped that this advice will be followed wherever possible. I hope that publicity may be given to the hon. Member's Question and my Answer.

Following are the figures:

ROBBERIES OF WAGES IN TRANSIT IN THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DISTRICT
Year Number of robberies Number of attempted robberies Amount stolen Number of cases in which arrests were made
£
1961 66 12 129,455 11
1960 35 1 47,801 None
1959 34 5 40,079 6

33. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons concerned in wages and bank robberies in 1961 have been convicted; and in how many cases no persons have been arrested.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT such figures as are available. These figures are for the Metropolitan Police District.

Mr. Shinwell

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer. Has it occurred to him, however, that when crimes of this character occur, they become front-page news, but that little is reported in the Press about convictions? Could the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Press to ensure that attention is paid to the convictions in order to reassure people that those who commit such crimes are sentenced?

Mr. Butler

I will certainly take note of the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Robberies of wages Total number of cases (including attempted robberies) Number of cases in which no arrest was made Number of persons sent for trial Results
Convicted Acquitted Not yet dealt with
In transit … 78 67* 18 7 4 7
On premises … 19 14 14 4 3 7
* Includes one case of attempted robbery of a bank guard in a bank van conveying money from a bank to other premises.