Hong Kong, 17 March 1869.
Chief Justice (Hon: J. Smale)
Colonial Secretary (Hon: J. G. Austin)
Police Yearly Return of Crimes
1868
As to para 1 + H. ES
remark therein as to para 10 effect of Gambling Licenses.
with Appx No. 1.2.3.
Inclosure &c I'm Governor
As Sir Richard Groves MacDonnell's Dispatch No. 679 of 3 April, 1864.
In 5846/69
46
POLICE DEPARTMENT, HONGKONG, 4th February, 1869.
Sir,
I have the honor to forward, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, a Return of Serious and Minor Offences reported to have been committed during the year 1868.
2. I also have the honor to enclose a separate Return of Felonies coming under the cognizance of the Police during the same year, in accordance with the instructions conveyed to me in your despatch No. 588, of 5th December, 1868.
3. From these and similar Returns forwarded last year, it will be apparent that Serious Crimes have decreased 13.8 per cent, Minor Offences, 9.9 per cent, and all Crimes, 5.5 per cent, when compared with the year 1867.
Year 1867 1868 Serious Crimes 1,458 1,256 Decrease 13.8 Minor Offences 4,585 4,449 Decrease 2.9 All Offences 6,043 5,705 Decrease 5.54. This decrease of Serious Crimes I believe to be especially attributable to the infliction of the punishment of flogging in cases of crime accompanied by violence; and also to the optional deportation of well-known criminals.
5. I regret to find that a large increase is apparent in the number of European prisoners. Drunkenness shows an increase of 215 cases, equivalent to 82.5 per cent on the Return of the previous year.
6. In cases of Robbery with Violence, perpetrated solely by Chinese, a decrease of 109 cases is noticeable, the number being 41 in 1868 and 150 in 1867; whilst Assaults with Intent to Rob are less numerous by 31 cases, only four having been reported in 1868.
7. Two cases of Murder occurred, one of an American named Yancey residing at British Kowloon; the other of a Turnkey of Victoria Gaol; in the first case, it transpired that nine persons had been engaged in the burglarious attack that resulted in Yancey's murder; of these, two were arrested and acquitted on the point of Law raised by the Counsel for the defence that the words "your statement will be taken down in writing and may be used against you" had not been used when the prisoners were cautioned by the Police on the occasion of their making a confession. The rest of the gang escaped into the mainland of China. In the second case, the murderer, a convict in the Gaol, suffered the extreme penalty of the Law.
8. Cases of common Assaults continue to be very numerous, averaging more than 2 for each day.
9. Seventy-six cases of Burglary are reported, against 119 in the previous year, shewing a decrease of 43 cases, may, I think, be in a great measure owing to the arrest of a gang of 10 men, who lived in the shed on the hill side near the Rifle Butts, and who were traced on information procured by a Lokong after that they had perpetrated some most daring burglaries.
10. The decrease of 323 cases of Gambling (181 in 1868-504 in 1867) is clearly attributable to the establishment of Licensed Public Gaming Houses; and here I may remark that these Returns of crime dissipate the idea, prevalent at the time of their introduction, that crime would be largely increased.
11. Sixty-eight cases of Kidnapping appear, at first sight, to manifest a very extensive field of crime, but reference to the "Discharged" column shows the number of cases dismissed by the Magistrates, and which really might have been refused at the Police Stations, as they are in fact cases wherein the alleged kidnapped person, being of sufficient age to be responsible for his actions, had voluntarily joined an emigrant ship, and then, repenting of his undertaking, had persuaded his friends to charge the Agents who engaged him with Kidnapping. The remaining cases are more serious and refer to the Abduction of Children for sale on the mainland.
12. Cases of unlawful possession (215 in 1868 and 360 in 1867) refer generally to articles of small intrinsic value, and a large number yearly arise from property stolen at fires.
13. Cases of Larceny continue very numerous (805 in 1868-719 in 1867) and are, I think, greatly fostered by the conveniences afforded by the Pawn Shops for the disposal of the property. As usual, in no case during the year has any Pawnbroker voluntarily assisted the Police.
14. Under the head of Piracy (21 in 1868-35 in 1867) will be found a great many cases that would, under present instructions, be described as Robberies in Chinese Waters. The only attack on a European vessel was that on the North German barque Lesmona, on the 25th May, off the Island of Hainan. The vessel was captured and scuttled by the Pirates, the crew narrowly escaping with their lives. The distance of the place of attack, 300 miles from Hongkong, prevented the Police of this Colony being successful in arresting any of the culprits, although they obtained information as to the place where two of the piratical junks were for a time lying. Their seizure was however unaccomplished, through a misunderstanding on the part of the Officer in command of the Gun-boat that was sent in search, as to the proper place to visit. As His Excellency is well aware, although these offences are placed on the Police Returns, the Police themselves have no power, or means to act without the waters of the Colony.
15. As to miscellaneous offences, there is little worthy of remark, except the large items of the arrest of 427 as suspicious characters and 324 for hawking without license. It is under the former heading that a large number of persons, who have been connected with more serious crimes, have been convicted; when the main charge through the absence of witnesses, or non-production of property, would have broken down. The number of licensed hawkers is very great and thus several persons screen themselves in the crowd from taking out licenses. I may here remark that the Police are at present powerless to stop the street cries of these men, unless some person is ready to prove at the Police Court that he was annoyed or alarmed.
16. Although the diminution of crime is often traceable to external circumstances, yet the daily increasing knowledge of their duties by the Police must, in a great measure, have tended to the above effect. The Sikh constables are rapidly becoming more acquainted with the nature of their work and many are endeavouring to obtain a knowledge of the Colloquial to increase their usefulness; whilst, as a body of men, it is unquestionable that they would be of great service should, through any disturbance, the necessity arise.
17. External assistance has been rendered to the Police during the past year through the continued employment of district watchmen, and the co-operation of informants in the pay of the licensees of the Gambling Houses. The former have paid especial attention to cases of Kidnapping, Larceny and Breaches of the Peace; and the latter to reporting the return of any well-known criminals.
18. As an increased means of keeping up a proper supervision over constables on their beats, the Mounted Force has been increased and a larger amount of patrolling is done. Apart from the benefits arising from rapid communication with the out-stations, I think a marked improvement is visible in the deportment of constables on duty.
19. The conduct of the Police is apparently improving, especially since the latter part of the year, when the severe example of two Inspectors being dismissed for ... took place. The mass of the Barracks has been more carefully attended to and certain conveniences added. The men consequently remain more together in Barracks instead of frequenting the Town when off duty.
Page 46
(80 x 73 6.
Hong thing. 17 March 1869.
Chief Justice (Hon: J. Smale)
balenial Secretary (Hom: J. G. Austin)
Police Yearly Retium of Carimes
1868
As to para 1 + H. ES
remant therein as to para 10 effect of Gambling Licenses.
with Appe No. 1.2.3.
Inclosure & i'm Governor
Nim Sir Richard Groves MacDonnells Dispatch Nr. 679 of 3 April, 1864.
In 5846/69
46
POLICE DEPARTMENT, HONGSONO, 4th February, 1869. Sir,I have the honor to forward, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, a Return of Serious and Minor Offences reported to have been committed during the year 1868.
2. I also have the honor to enclose a separate Return of Felonies coming under the cognizance of the Police during the same year, in accordance with the instructions conveyed to me in your despatch No. 588, of 5th December, 1808.
3. From these and similar Returns forwarded last year, it will be apparent that Serious Crimes have decreased 13.8 per cent, Minor Offences, 9.9 per cent, and all Crimes, 5.5 per cent, when compared with the year 1867.
Year.
1807 1808
Serious Crimes.
1,458 1,256
Decrease.
Minar Offences.
4,585 4,449
13.8
Decrease.
All Offences.
Decrease.
6,043 5,705
2.9
5.5
4. This decrease of Serious Crimes I believe to be especially attributable to the infliction of the punishment of flogging
in cases of crime accompanied by violence; and also to the optional deportation of well known criminals.
5. I regret to find that a large increase is apparent in the number of European prisoners. Drunkenness shows an increase of 215 cases, equivalent to 82.5 per cent on the Return of the previous year.
6. In cases of Robbery with Violence, perpetrated solely by Chinese, a decrease of 109 cases is noticeable, the number being 41 in 1868 and 150 in 1867; whilst Assaults with Intent to Rob are less numerous by 31 cases, only four having been
<reported in 1808.
7. Two cases of Murder occurred, one of an American named Yancey residing at British Kowloon; the other of a Turnkey of Victoria Gaol; in the first case, it transpired that nine persons had been engaged in the burglarious attack that resulted in Yancey's murder; of these, two were arrested and acquitted on the point of Law raised by the Counsel for the defence that the words " your statement will be taken down in writing and may be used against you" had not been used when the prisoners were cautioned by the Police on the occasion of their making a confession. The rest of the gang escaped into the inainland of China. In the second case the murderer, a convict in the Gaol, suffered the extreme penalty of the Law.
8. Cases of common Assaults continue to be very numerous, averaging more than 2 for each day.
This
9. Seventy-six cases of Burglary are reported, against 119 in the previous year, shewing a decrease of 43 cases, may, I think, be in a great measure owing to the arrest of a gang of 10 men, who lived in the shed on the hill side near the Rifle Butts, and who were traced on information procured by a Lokong after that they had perpetrated some most daring burglaries.
10. The decrease of 323 cases of Gambling (181 in 1868-504 in 1867) is clearly attributable to the establishment of Licensed Publie Gaming Houses; and here I may remark that these Returns of crime dissipate the idea, prevalent at the time of their introduction, that crime would be largely increased.
11. Sixty-eight cases of Kidnapping appear, at first sight, to manifest a very extensive field of crime, but reference to the "Discharged" column shows the number of cases dismissed by the Magistrates, and which really might have been refused at the Police Stations, as they are in fact cases wherein the alleged kidnapped person, being of sufficient age to be responsible for his actions, had voluntarily joined an emigrant ship, and then, repenting of his undertaking, had pursuaded his friends to charge the Agents who engaged him with Kidnapping. The remaining cases are more serious and refer to the Abinction of Children for sale on the mainland.
12. Cases of unlawful possession (215 in 1868 and 360 in 1807) refer generally to articles of snall intrinsic value, and a large unaber yearly arise from property stolen at fires.
13. Cases of Larceny continue very unmerous (805 in 1868-719 in 1867) and are, I think, greatly fostered by the conveniences afforded by the Pawn Shops for the disposal of the property. As usual, in no case during the year has any Pawnbroker voluntarily assisted the Police.
14. Under the head of Piracy (21 in 1868-35 in 1867) will be found a great many cases that would, under present instructions, be described as Robberies in Chinese Waters. The only attack on a European vessel was that on the North German barque Lesmona, on the 25th May, off the Island of Hainan. The vessel was captured and scuttled by the Pirates, the crew narrowly escaping with their lives. The distance of the place of attack, 300 miles from Hongkong, prevented the Police of this Colony being successful in arresting any of the culprits, although they obtained information as to the place where two of the piratical junks were for a tire lying. Their seizure was however unaccomplished, through a misunderstand- ing on the part of the Officer in command of the Gun-boat that was sent in search, as to the proper place to visit. As His Excellency is well aware, although these offences are placed on the Police Returns, the Police themselves have no power, or means to act without the waters of the Colony.
15. As to miscellaneous offences, there is little worthy of remark, except the large items of the arrest of 427 as suspicious characters and 324 for hawking without license. It is under the former heading that a large number of persons, who have been connected with more serious crimes, have been convicted; when the main charge through the absence of witnesses, or non-production of property, would have broken down. The number of licensed hawkers is very great and thus several persons screen themselves in the crowd from taking out licenses. I may here remark that the Police are at present powerless to stop the street cries of these men, unless some person is ready to prove at the Police Court that he was annoyed or alarmed. 16. Although the diminution of crime is often traceable to external circumstances, yet the daily increasing knowledge of their duties by the Police must, in a great measure, have tended to the above effect. The Sikli constables are rapidly becom- ing more acquainted with the nature of their work and many are endeavouring to obtain a knowledge of the Colloquial to increase their usefulness; whilst, as a body of men, it is unquestionable that they would be of great service should, through any disturbance, the necessity arise.
17. External assistance has been rendered to the Police during the past year through the continued employment of district watchmen, and the co-operation of informants in the pay of the licensees of the Gambling Houses. The former have paid especial attention to cases of Kidnapping, Larceny and Breaches of the Peace; and the latter to reporting the return of any
well known criminals,
18. As an increased means of keeping up a proper supervision over constables on their beats, the Mounted Force has been increased and a larger amount of patrolling is done. Apart from the benefits arising from rapid communication with the out-stations, I think a marked improvement is visible in the deportment of constables on duty.
19. The conduct of the Police is apparently improving, especially since the latter part of the year, when the severe example of two Inspectors being dismissed for trustourers took place. The mass of the Batter dans les taler des superinsen.teace of one of the Inspectors, been more carefully attended to and certain conveniences addad. The men consequently remain more together in Barracks instead of frequenting the Town when off duty.
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