Another example of Blantyre community policing from 1893.
On Wednesday 26th July 1893, a woman in Blantyre stole a distinctive red shawl from a resident in the village. The victim reported the theft to police who made enquiries but could not trace where the thief had went.
By telegraph the theft was communicated to nearby towns and it was reported officers had seen a woman wearing a bright red shawl in Bellshill, just 2 hours after the theft. A Blantyre constable got on his bicycle that evening cycling to Bellshill to verify the story, before heading off in the direction of Coatbridge where it was assumed the woman was walking to.
That night, the woman was captured in Whifflet, just on the outskirts of Coatbridge and an arrest was made after her admission. She was escorted then by foot back to Blantyre Police Station.
How times have changed!
Ai pictures the scene.
