Newcastle criminals of the 1930s: From master safebreakers to skylight thieves
Thanks to Tyne & Wear Archives we have access to an amazing glimpse of Newcastle life back in the 1930s- criminal life to be exact.
All of these mug shots come from a police identification book, originally found in a junk shop by a member of the public who then donated it to the archive.
What’s really interesting about these men is not one of them is above 5’10, with the average height of the group being around 5’4. This fact shows how much the stature of Geordie’s has changed in as little as 90 years.
From Larceny to safebreaking, here’s a look at criminals of the past.
What’s really interesting about these men is not one of them is above 5’10, with the average height of the group being around 5’4. This fact shows how much the stature of Geordie’s has changed in as little as 90 years.
5. Arthur Bell
Born: 1902 ; Trade: Hawker ; M.O: Shop and Club Housebreaking. Larceny.
6. Charles Ormston
Born: 1906 ; Trade: Labourer ; Marks: Rt. little and ring finger off ; M.O: Shop, House, Public House and Warehousebreaking. Breaks window at rear of premises.
7. Albert Dick
.Born: 1911 ; Trade: Labourer ; M.O: A general all around thief and safe breaker. Associates with all classes of thieves.
8. James Dick (aliases: Watson, O’Neill, Wetson)
Born: 1906 ; Trade: Labourer ; Marks: 8 dots tatt. left forearm ; M.O: Larceny, Public house & Warehouse breaking. An expert safe breaker.