THE HOME OFFICE AND CRIME [To the Editor of THE
SPECTATOR] Sm,—I observe that the Home Office, apparently not quite exhausted by their much-criticised activities in connexion with A.R.P., are bringing forward proposals in the new session of which the main object seems to be to make things still nicer and more comfortable for the young offender.
Ordinary men judge measures of all kinds by their success in achieving their objective ; can it be for one moment suggested that crime in this country—and especially juvenile crime—has been other than immensely increased by the type of treatment and legislation in recent years sponsored by the Home Office ? It would be very interesting to know whether the Magistrates and Chief Constables, who are in daily practical touch, are in agreement with still further efforts to reduce the punishment of crime.
Before me as I write is a newspaper report of a dreadful list of admitted serious offences by two lads, causing great trouble and loss (even arson is not infrequent) yet their punishment will be slight, and their names will be concealed. So even young robbers and housebreakers are allowed to go about with their records unknown, polluting their acquaintance, and to the danger of their community.
The American situation is a perfect example of the result of the tolerant treatment of crime, and unless we wish to share her experience the time has come for thorough enquiry into the results of past Home Office actions—and it should be an enquiry not by "social workers," Home Office " experts " and the like, but by magistrates, the police of all grades, sufferers from depredations, and plain men of common sense.
One wonders, by the way, whether anyone at the Home Office ever sees the type of " literature " offered by multiple shops, the cheaper kind of newsagent; and even at the bookstalls ?—I am, Sir, faithfully yours,
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