Thanks to Tyne & Wear Archives we have access to an amazing glimpse of North East life back in the 1930s- criminal life to be exact.
All of these mug shots come from a police identification book, originally found in a junk shop by a member of the public who then donated it to the archive.
What’s really interesting about these men is not one of them is above 5’9, with the average height of the group being around 5’4. This fact shows how much the stature of Geordie’s has changed in as little as 90 years.
From Larceny to safebreaking, here’s a look at criminals of the past
1. John Gallagher
Born: 1901; Trade: Labourer; Marks: Minus left eye; M.O: Public house breaker, also steals from motor cars, etc. Uses various methods of entry.
2. John Thomas Hollings
Born: 1889; Trade: Miner; Marks: Scars on right side of jaw, neck and back of hand; M.O: Larceny, Shop, Office & Warehouse breaking. Gains access by means of bodily pressure. Works alone.
3. James Hargreaves Jones
Born: 1896; Trade: Moulder; Marks: Wound scar right side of face; M.O: Begs in residential areas and breaks into houses he finds unoccupied.
4. John Dodgson
Born: 1902; Trade: Miner; Marks: Extensively tattooed forearms and hands; M.O: Larceny and false pretences. A general thief and bad character. Works alone.