EARLIER this year, we had a look back on crime in 1980 in Harlow.

In some ways it was a response to the “in the old days…”comments after we publish crime stories.

In short, back in 1980, there were two murders, lots of burglaries, lots of cars being stolen and lots of fights. As we said, the difference may be in solve rates as well as how people feel.

What does crime in Harlow in 1980 say about the town then and now?

One person commenting on our 1980 stories thought that perhaps people meant the sixties were a nicer, safer place?

When world famous hairdresser Trevor Sorbie passed away last week, we were reminded that the former Passmores pupil (1961 to 1965) once said: “Harlow was a vicious place in 1965”

This gave us a prompt to look back to 1965, flick through the Harlow Citizen and see what was happening.

These are just a few clippings from January 1965.

Youths throwing bottles at the Police

See kids today, don’t respect the police like they used to.

Apart from the three youths in the dock for throwing milk bottles at a police officer, having an offensive weapon and stealing a car.

It all happened in Tany’s Dell.

Midnight Raid on The Hare

The whole of January is dominated by a trial of three men who had raided the Hare Pub. We quite like the police following a trial of footsteps in the snow from The Hare to the home of one of the men in Fold Croft.

Youth Worker Indecently Assaults Five Children

Youth worker indecency assaults five children and is fined £10 each.

Now, many readers may say, that it is still a relative slap on the wrist for this crime. We may point to criminal behaviour orders, lifetime bans, fines, suspended sentences etc. And they will say……..

Gunshots in Harlow Town Centre

Looked like a No Go Zone in Harlow Town Centre in 1965.

Somebody has been taking a pop at Country Gardens in East Gate

Kids Today: Part Two

The good old days. You would go to church to pray and a brick would be hurled through the window. He who is without sin……

We are sure people then and people now would be appalled that the police had to put on special watches to protect the churches.

Maybe established residents (pre-new town) thought this is what happens when you introduce outsiders into the town?

Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting

Well, if Elton said it, it must be true. Looks like a mini riot in Sawbridgeworth Village hall.

Or just a bit of a punch up.

Fight at Vicarage Wood House Party

Conclusion

There is lots and lots more. But the Harlow Citizen, like the Harlow Star and YourHarlow also has many many community, sport and good news stories.

However, with social media, low solve rates and how you feel, life may just feel different.

This is just a snapshot of a few crimes in January 1965. We will not be submitting this to the British Crime Survey.

Below are a few more cuttings.