Okay, so you’re an ordinary citizen, making your way in the late-19th century world (specifically the American corner of the world). Let’s say you’re a cautious and astute person: you keep a tight grip on your wallet or pocket-book in crowds, to the chagrin of those sly pickpockets out there; you don’t fall for those con-artist tricks and hand over your hard-earned money; you’re even good at spotting “funny money,” and won’t accept any currency that looks the slightest bit wrong. Yes sir, you know how to thwart those criminals, and keep yourself and your money safe (check earlier postings for the hazards you’ve just avoided).
The bad news: you have to sleep sometime.
This week, we’re going to take a look at how 19th century house burglars – “sneak” thieves and “second-story” men – operated, and how people fought back.
Tools, Tactics, Techniques:
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| a burglar’s tool kit, 1888 full description of tools, click here |
Most of the above account of such “desperate rascals,” with “masks on their faces and murder in their heart,” seems rather alarming. Notice, however, that toward the end of the paragraph the writer tempers the portrayal: burglars are actually cowardly, and can be easily frightened by “the noise made by rats” – so much so, in fact, that they will abandon their ill-gotten gains and flee.
19th century burglars were audacious, and stupid (nothing ever changes, does it?). Here are some interesting stories from The New York Times along those lines:
Also, here’s an interesting anti-burglar contraption, called “The Timby Burglar-Proof Sash Lock and Ventilator,” featured in the journal Manufacturer and Builder (1888). (Not sure how effective it was!)
Nothing beats good old-fashioned quick-wittedness, however, and from some surprising sources (let’s hear it for the girls!):
What would you like to see in future postings? I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading,
Kathy
www.kbowenmysteries.blogspot.com
There is something reassuring in knowing that stupid criminals are not a strictly modern phenomenon, but that they have entertained would-be victims and police through history. As one policeman put it, "we never get to talk to the smart ones."
I hadn't thought of it that way before, Paul, but you're right! A blog about the smart criminals would be very interesting.
Thanks for your comment!
What a fascinating topic for a post and your blog more generally! I lover it when writers share their research findings!
I'm behind on reading this week but you never disappoint! I love the phrases they use. Sneak thiefs is great. And we all thought Robert Downey Jr. was so original when he passed out in those people's house. That's been going on for decades!
Thanks! I'm a definite believer in sharing the wealth. It can be painstaking to find some of this stuff, so why should everyone else need to reinvent the wheel? And I've certainly benefited from the research of others and saved a lot of time (and travel). Thank goodness for the internet.
Great to have you stop by! Love your blog – I have it on my dashboard now.
Clay, we must have been writing our comments at the same time! Glad you liked the new post.
My favorite was the article about the thief putting the girl back to sleep before robbing the house. A little creepy, yes, but it reminded me of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" – little Cindy Lou Who waking up, and the Grinch giving her a glass of water and sending her back to bed!
Thanks, as always, for being a regular reader and responder. It keeps me going!