Decrease of Crime in the Punjab

IN a recent issue we pointed out that there was a decline of 36 percent in the number of dacoities committed in the Punjab during 1917. The Government resolution on the police report shows that there was a further decrease during the year in all serious crimes and there was a fall of 14 percent in the number of cognisable cases, bringing the total decrease to 28 percent in the past five years. Excluding offences under local laws there was a reduction of 16 percent in all crimes in the year and of 26 percent in the average in five years. Politically the province was tranquil and economically, the Government says, the working classes were better off as they obtained higher wages everywhere. The more adventurous spirits were attracted to the Army and criminal tribes were better supervised.