§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the steady growth of shop robberies in London; whether he is aware that in the latest fur robbery the thieves sawed through padlocks which were fitted in front of the shop; and how crimes of this character elude the observation of the regular police patrol?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend is aware that there has been some increase in this class of crime in recent years. In the particular case referred to the padlock appears to have been quickly wrenched off, not sawn through. It would not appear that the commission of this particular offence could have occupied any length of time. In organising the system of patrols all possible measures are taken to prevent such crimes, but complete prevention is, I fear, impracticable.