Property Stolen.—412 reports made under this heading during the month represent a total estimated loss of $76,541 and include 30 cases of burglary, 11 of housebreaking, 5 of shop and office-breaking and 1 of godown-breaking. Successful investigation was made in 150 cases, resulting in the recovery of property valued at $54,762, in addition to which recoveries to the extent of $22,708 were made in connexion with reports received prior to June 1.
Trafficking in Firearms, etc.—The foreigner mentioned in my report for May as being charged with trafficking in firearms was dealt with. He was sentenced to three months and one day's imprisonment. Another foreigner is under remand on a charge of carrying weapons. The case against three Chinese who were under remand at the end of May charged with trafficking in firearms was concluded on June 6 when one of the accused was sentenced to four months' imprisonment while the other two were discharged.
The heavy seizures during the month of smuggled pistols and ammunition by the Chinese Maritime Customs on foreign steamers in this port once again discloses a most serious state of affairs, as it is obvious that most of these weapons eventually find their way into the hands of persons who use them to commit armed robberies and other serious crimes.
Crime Beyond Settlement Limits.—Eight cases of robbery and piracy were reported during the month as having occurred in territory under Chinese jurisdiction in the neighbourhood of Shanghai. In two instances the members of the crews of boats plundered were injured by the pirates, whilst in a case of robbery one person was rendered unconscious by means of chloroform.
Executions.—Twelve prisoners were executed during the month near the scene of their crimes for offences committed beyond Settlement limits. Nine were found guilty of armed robbery at San Ling Dong, Pootung, on April 20, and three for an offence of a similar nature committed in Paoshan on June 19.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.