Crime in 1916

This article appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette on 30th August 1916, reminds us that life continued on exactly the same on the home front.

Looking at the reports now, one cannot but smile! The fact that they left old underwear behind is no surprise, but to think that stealing coats or trousers might be suspicious and shirts and socks is not is amazing! Shop lifting with a pair of scissors!

“Eastbourne Shops Broken Into.

Within the past few days several robberies have been committed in Eastbourne. In some instances the thieves have walked into entrance halls with the object of stealing any valuable articles within reach: and it is necessary therefore to warn householders and servants to be on their guard. Information as to the presence in any locality of suspicious persons should be given to the police at the earliest possible moment.

On Saturday morning it was discovered that two establishments in Terminus Road had been broken into by some person or persons unknown. The thief or thieves did not use housebreaking implements but brought into requisition a pair of scissors. An outfitters shop was entered and the office was ransacked but efforts to force the safe failed. Only a small sum of money was stolen. Some shirts and socks were taken and some old underwear was left behind. So far as we can learn no coats or trousers were taken, possibly because the thief or thieves feared that the possession of new garments would bring them under suspicion. This robbery was mentioned in the Sunday newspapers and the publicity given to it will, we hope, have the effect of assisting the authorities to track the thieves.”