Comments

There would be little fear of crime during the war years. The total of 148 individuals charged with an offence over the seven year period is only equivalent to 21 per year. If they were all criminal offences that caused people to be apprehensive, it would still be very few. However, not all those 148 fall into what would generally be viewed as a crime. The highest number recorded for one type of offence is 42 for non-payment or arrears of tax, generally the rates. This, and some other offences, fell into the “known only to the offender” category; 82 of the 148 individuals were in this category and would not cause any concern in the village. Only 66 individuals would have been known to have been charged with an offence.

Of these offences, it is only incidents of theft, assault and vandalism which would be more widely known about and may have caused some local apprehension. There were only 18 such incidents, fewer than three per year. The assaults, including the two on soldiers, mainly took place in 1945 to 1947, when soldiers were returning from the war.

Regarding punishments, for the majority these were fines of five shillings (25p). By the end of the war these had risen to ten shillings (50p). Some offences did not attract a penalty, for instance those in tax arrears were discharged without fine if they paid what they owed there and then.

Those found guilty of assault were fined £5 or given a prison sentence. Another that attracted a £5 fine on two occasions was the Home Guard soldier who failed to attend parades and duties. He was also on being charged the second time, recommended to be dismissed from the Home Guard.

The only time in which anyone was given imprisoned, was when three men were found guilty of a raid on Mr T F Cumbor’s farm at Ryehill, with intent to steal. They were sent to Northallerton Gaol for three months with hard labour.

One could ask, were these the only ‘crimes’ to take place in Ayton during these years? Surely there must have been low level disturbing the peace, such as minor assault or vandalism, not deemed as chargeable. The local policemen must have played a major role in keeping the peace. Certainly Sergeant Simpson had a fearsome reputation. Living in the community, knowing practically every inhabitant, he would have been a force for law and order. Respected by the majority or feared by a few his style of long gone policing relied on the force of his personality and authority.

It was also a time of mutual trust and support between neighbours. Anyone who has lived through those times will remember that hardly anyone locked their doors when they went out, something not found in today’s society!

As for juvenile ‘crime’, only 18 children were charged with an offence during those years, four for theft and fourteen for vandalism. These were the only misdemeanours deemed serious enough to be taken to court. Again, those old enough to have been children at that time will no doubt remember the times having been caught by the local ‘bobby’ for some naughtiness, been frightened to death by what he threatened if it happened again. Then being escorted home to be punished by embarrassed parents. An excellent deterrent!

All in all Great Ayton even in times of war with all its austerity, fears and apprehensions must have been a very peaceful and pleasant place to live.

Reference

Police Charge Book

North Yorkshire County Record Office, Nortallerton See Guide Book 1, page 76, Police QS, QP. MIC 1926