Evening star., 1925-11-27
TELLS HOW PUBLIC
CAN HELP POLICE
Inspector Grant Issues List
of "Don'ts" for Use in Anti
Bandit Campaign.

A hist of "Don'ts.' aimed at arousing
Washingtonians who handle money in
considerable sums, from the lethargy
and false sense of security into which
relative immunity from the operations
of experts in banditry and hold.ups
have lulled them was issued today by
Inspector c. L. Grant, chief of detec-
tives. who appealed for public cooper
alton in the anti-bandit campaign.
I'VE need the help Of the people in
enforcing all laws" Inspector Grant
said, and the greatest need at the
present time is for individuals to help
themselves and to help us by observ-
Ing every possible degree of care. pru-
dence and vigilance in protecting their
valuables
Don't leave money and jewelry at
home and think it safe to lock the door
and put the key under the mat or in
the letter box.
Don't be displaying large sums of
money in banks or public places, I'M
less absolutely necessary
Don't fail to notify police at first
instance of crime OF violence or Of a
suspicious happening. Call Main 1000.
1t is free in emergencies.
Don't allow messengers or en-
ployes to walk the streets Of the city
with the little tell-tale black satchel
without some one accompanying them
for protection. Don't overlook the ad-
ditional safety of transporting such
things from banks to business places
In automobiles with more than one in
such a car.
Don't keep any larger amount of
cash on hand in business house than
is necessary at any one time.
Don't fail to provide protection of
some sort If it is necessary to keep a
large amount on hand"
These summarize the requirements
police would like ashingtonians to
live up to. The PRONUNCIATION of these
''donts" by Inspector Grant is a
purely protective measure, for the
purpose of locking the garage door
before the machine is lifted.
Washington has outGrown the
village stage" Inspector Grant said.
With practically half million in
habitants it is verging into true metro
politan proportions. The city must
necessarily expect wider possibilities
for crime than existed heretofore.
There are more business houses. more
banks. more public gathering places
here today than 10 years ago. There
is much more money in circulation
since the war. Thieves and hold-up
men recognize that fact. Citizens
must understand that the police are
here to help them. but cardinal rule
should be TO take such preventive
steps as TO make ii most difficult TO
provide an opportunity for criminal
opera ton.
We will work to our utmost limits
to clear up this situation, but we need
help of citizens in our work. The
general conditions In the city will be
far brighter if protective measures
are recognized and prudent steps
taken by the citizens before it is
necessary to call in police.
Il am positive this is a sporadic
outbreak. I am convinced that we
will get a break in the near future
We are plugging along and we have
not had the past marked by any out
standing failures in this line. If it Is
possible for the most capable detec-
tives, working in the most energetic
fashion, to bring these offenders to
Justice, Washingtonians may rest as
sured 1t will be done. Meanwhile. be
careful''