The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-23
TAKING STEPS ID
 CURB CRIME WAVE Additional Police and Detec-
 tives Are to Be Put On DON'TS FOR SHOPPERS
Eagan Warns People to Take Pre-. cautions and Avoid Danger of Hav-
 ing Pocket Picked-Don't Be Afaird to Call the Police


 Commissioner Arle Barber is extremely active in police circles of late. He is centering his efforts, with the assistance of Chief of Detectives Shirley and Chief of Police Egan. to curb the recent wave of crime which has swept the city the last few weeks.
 Additional detectives and patrolmen will be put into service and every effort will be made to stop the numerous thefts and burglaries. The detective and police de- partments are keeping a close lookout for notorious criminals who might come into Birmingham to ply their trade. The
 depots and railroad yards are being ! watched by special officers and Chief Egan is keeping in close touch with the entire department night and day. Vag- rants are being rounded up and suspicious characters caught out after 1 o'clock are being locked up on the charge of loiter- ing.
 DON'TS FOR SHOPPERS Chief Egan made the following state- ment in regard to the caution which should be used by all shoppers: "As every citizen knows, about this time each year crime is more in evidence than ever. Small thefts are numerous and every crook is trying to get stake for
 the holidays. The following list of dont's will be timely and should receive the at tention of all the public: Don't carry your purse or bag in a careless manner Hold it close to your body and if you happen to have lots of money, don't take a chance and carry | it in an ordinary handbag. Don't take out roll of bills to pay for your purchases. If you do, observe who is near you and be careful to tuck it away on your person in a secure place. Don't pay in cash unless you happen not to be known to the shopkeepers. Use checks where you can, This is safe and convenient. Don't enter in conversation with any one whom you do not know. Beware of the smooth talking individual, either male or female.
 Don't forget to feel of your purse and
 keep close watch of 1t while in crowd. Pickpockets always work in crowds. Don't fail to look at the person who jostles you on the street, and then feel again for your purse.
 Don't think you are wise enough to give the thief deliberate chance to steal your money and get away with it. Some of the smartest men and women in the world are thieves.
 "Be especially careful when boarding 1 crowded street cars.
 l If you have to walk any distance on a dark street, get out in the middle of the road Fools rush in where angels l fear to tread
 Report any suspicious character you have reason to believe is a thief. Don't be afraid to call polices head quarters if you hear noise in your house
 ] at night. The officers are always glad to
 | be of service to all the public. They
 are paid for their trouble and you are en-
 titled to their services. REPORT ROBBERIES
 7, ''n you are robbed. don't be too proud
 1 to report It to police headquarters Many
 | a wise man has been robbed and they are
 1 the victims of the crook as well as the
 ] ignorant.
 l If the people will pay careful attention | to the above dontss I believe we will have l a Christmas devoid of so many thefts ' and acts of violence. Let all the citizens remember we are with them and for them
 l in the suppression of crime, and We will
 appreciate any service on their part which 1 will benefit the department. Excellent
 ] officers are on duty all night long ready
 to answer any call on moments notice