CRIME

• There was a rapid increase in crime from 1810-1850.
• There was an increase in crime because of the Population Boom - 10 million in 1750, 42 million in 1900.
• There was an increase in crime because of the increase in travel - towns and houses became crowded (more opportunity for crime)
• There was an increase in crime because of Larger towns - which were easier to escape.
• There was an increase in crime because there was an increase in Professional Criminals.
• There was an increase in crime because of extreme poverty faced by many.
• There was an increase in crime because of the Napoleonic wars:

  • Ex-soldiers turned to petty crime after losing their jobs
  • Industry was affected by war
• Poaching increased as people began to form poaching gangs, hunting for profit.
• The Waltham Black Act of 1723 made poaching a capital crime. It became illegal to carry snares or hunting dogs in specified areas.
• Many poaching laws were repealed in 1823, as they were seen as unfair.
• Smuggling increased from 1740-1850 as there was high import tax.
• Large profits were made by smugglers, and people began to form large gangs, such as the Hawkhurst Gang.
• Mounted customs officers were used to prevent smuggling, but it was hard to control as there were large areas of coast.
• Taxes were cut in the 1840s and smuggling decreased. Smugglers were seen as heroes and the government was seen as unreasonable.
• Highway Robbery was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. It usually took place on the streets of London at night or when few witnesses were around.
• Highway Robbery usually involved violent assault and was seen as a serious crime as it interfered with transport.
• Highway Robbers were mostly men on horses and were glorified and romanticised by the media.
• Highway Robbery increased as more goods were being transported to towns.
• Highway Robbery increased as roads and highways were built and used, often running through secluded areas.
• Highway Robbery declined because of improvements in transport. For example, people began to transport goods by train because of the development of railways.
• Highway Robbery declined because of the development of Turnpike Roads in the 18th century. All who used them had to stop and pay a fee, meaning that Highway Robbers could not make a quick getaway.
• Highway Robbery declined because of the increase in banks. People would store their wealth there instead of carrying it on them. Also, banknotes had ID numbers on them, meaning that they would be useless if stolen.
• Highway Robbery declined because of the improved police force. From 1805 there were mounted police patrols in the evening.
• There was a decline in Highway Robbery after 1800. There were almost no more cases by 1820.
• Witchcraft was no longer prosecuted because of religion/beliefs:

  • Church had less influence over crime and law enforcement
  • Less religious changes
  • Less superstition/belief in witchcraft
• Witchcraft was no longer prosecuted because of technology:

  • People beginning to explain the unexplainable using science
  • More reliable crops due to new technology
  • No need to rely on superstitions
• Witchcraft was no longer prosecuted because of Economic Factors:

  • More overall financial stability
  • More jobs and education
  • No more Civil War
• The Tolpuddle Martyrs were six farm workers from Tolpuddle, Dorset.
• In 1834, the Tolpuddle Martyrs were arrested as they swore a secret oath to help protect their income. They were members of a 'friendly society' (a trade union).
• The Tolpuddle Martyrs were sentenced to seven years in a penal colony in Australia, where they would be sold on as slaves.
• The Tolpuddle Martyrs were given the maximum sentence to deter others.