§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Home Secretary how many of what are known as "smash and grab" raids have taken place in the last 12 months for which the figures are available, together with the estimated value of the property involved; and in how many cases have the thieves been caught and convicted?
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§ Mr. CLYNESBetween 26th January, 1930, and 25th January, 1931, 246 shops were broken into by means of "smash and grab" raids in the Metropolitan Police District. The total estimated value of property involved was £27,025 9s. 4½d. In 78 cases the thieves were arrested and convicted. Figures for other police districts are not available.
§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Home Secretary whether he can make a general statement as to the progress made with the new motor police and the methods of dealing with "smash-and-grab" raids without disclosing confidential methods; whether he can indicate in what way the public can best assist; whether he will deal especially with the question of the receivers of stolen property; and whether fresh legislation is needed in regard to the latter?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe police have for some years made use of motor vehicles in connection with the prevention and detection of crime of various kinds, and their increased mobility makes them better able to deal with "smash-and-grab" raiders among other types of offenders. The new motor patrols have been instituted primarily to deal with traffic, and it is too soon to say whether their presence on the roads will have any effect in reducing the number of crimes of this kind. The police find that when these raids are in progress the public are slow to intervene by taking active steps to impede the raiders in making their escape. I do not understand in what way it is suggested that I should deal with receivers of stolen property, and I am not aware that fresh legislation regarding them is required.