Criminal Britain: A Photographic History of the Country's Most Notorious Crimes

Criminal Britain explores Britain's darkest moments through photographs from Mirrorpix's archive, featuring notorious crimes and sensationalist trials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2019
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Britain has witnessed some of the world's most notorious crimes, with perpetrators leaving a lasting legacy of murder and mayhem. From the sensationalist trials of Dr Crippen and George Joseph Smith to gang warfare and audacious bank heists, Criminal Britain is a photographic journey through our most infamous crimes, using photographs from Mirrorpix's impressive archive.

One of the most infamous crimes in British history is the murder of Dr Crippen, a prominent physician who was convicted of killing his wife and dismembering her body in 1910. The trial was a media sensation, with the public captivated by the gruesome details of the crime. Dr Crippen was executed by hanging in 1911, and his body was never found.

Another notable crime is the murder of George Joseph Smith, a wealthy businessman who was shot dead in 1921. The crime was committed by a group of criminals known as the "Black Widows," who were believed to be responsible for several other murders. Smith's body was found in a ditch, and his murder was a major news story in the United Kingdom.

Gang warfare has also been a significant problem in Britain, with gangs such as the Peaky Blinders and the Kray Twins dominating the underworld. These gangs were involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and murder, and their activities have been depicted in numerous films and TV shows.

Bank heists have also been a major problem in Britain, with some of the most audacious heists taking place in the 1980s and 1990s. One of the most famous bank heists was the robbery of the Bank of England in 1990, which saw a group of criminals steal over £200 million. The robbery was carried out by a group of masked men who used explosives to blow open the bank's vault.

Despite these crimes, Britain has a strong criminal justice system, and many of the perpetrators of these crimes have been brought to justice. The police force is well-trained and equipped, and the courts are fair and impartial. However, there are still some areas of concern, such as the prevalence of knife crime and the impact of drugs on society.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact of crime on society, and there have been efforts to address these issues. This has included the introduction of tougher sentencing laws, the implementation of anti-gang initiatives, and the provision of support for victims of crime.

However, there is still much work to be done, and it is important for the public to be aware of the risks associated with crime. This can be done by staying informed about the latest news and trends in the criminal justice system, and by taking steps to protect themselves and their property.

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from crime is to be aware of your surroundings. This means being aware of who is around you, and what they are doing. If you see someone acting suspiciously, you should report it to the police immediately.

You should also be careful about carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and you should avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas. If you are driving, you should be aware of your surroundings and should not drive if you are tired or intoxicated.

In addition to protecting yourself, you can also help to prevent crime by supporting local law enforcement agencies. This can include volunteering, donating to charity, or attending community events.

It is also important to educate yourself about the criminal justice system. This can include reading books, watching documentaries, or attending seminars. By understanding the criminal justice system, you can better understand the risks associated with crime and the ways in which it can be addressed.

In conclusion, Britain has witnessed some of the world's most notorious crimes, with perpetrators leaving a lasting legacy of murder and mayhem. From the sensationalist trials of Dr Crippen and George Joseph Smith to gang warfare and audacious bank heists, Criminal Britain is a photographic journey through our most infamous crimes, using photographs from Mirrorpix's impressive archive. While there are still some areas of concern, there is a strong criminal justice system in place, and many of the perpetrators of these crimes have been brought to justice. By staying informed about the latest news and trends in the criminal justice system, and by taking steps to protect yourself and your property, you can help to prevent crime and make your community a safer place.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 176 x 197 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750990745