A sneak peak into Croydon crime 100 years ago

An old police log book has been discovered at South Norwood Police Station, giving an insight into the type of offences dealt with by officers over 100 years ago.

Officers found the book while clearing out the old police building which will close later this year.

Crimes from as early as 1899 are included in the book, which goes on until 1962. It includes details of people who were arrested for offences, but later released without charge.

A range of crimes have been recorded and the log is very different to how a 21st century police log looks like today.

Reporter Andy Bloss has a browse through the old book.

Each entry had to be ticked off by the Superintendent. In cases where senior officers were not happy with the report, they would note down that the accused had to be brought back for more questioning.

Arrests recorded in the book included for deserting the army and stealing chickens.

One entry is the arrest of William Shaipless for stealing a pony from his dad on January 13 1904. He was arrested, but his dad did not want to press charges so he was released.

Another entry is for a lodger called Mr Massingham who was accused of stealing toilet covers from a bedroom in the house he was staying in. The complainant again declined to charge.

Borough Commander Chief Superintendent David Musker said the book would be put on display at the police station.

He said it was important current officers see how policing has progressed over the past century, but also how the types of crime, such as theft and assault, have stayed the same.

Chief Superintendent Musker said: "I find this really interesting and fascinating to read through. We will keep it downstairs and put it in a cabinet so people can see the continuity of policing."

Have a look at some of the entries below:

Stealing a pony.

Stealing apples from a tree.

Unlawful possession of a cockerall.

Stealing toilet covers.

Leaving wife in charge of the workhouse.