Crime in Walsall from medieval times to the start of the Second World War is the focus of a new book by a borough historian.
'Yowm Nicked' by Ann French sheds new light on some of the town's murkiest secrets and most shocking stories.
The book is split into nine chapters illustrated with a selection of photographs with Mrs French using Watch Committee minutes, newspaper cuttings and archives at Walsall Local History Centre to carry out her research.
It includes one of the town's most gruesome and shocking murders involving well known hairdresser and tobacconist Sidney Derry who killed his wife Emma and young daughters Irene and Gwendoline.
All three were found at the flat over the family's shop in Lower Bridge Street. They had been shot and their throats cut.
At his trial it was alleged Derry was worried about his business and had large gambling debts but no one ever suspected anything like this would ever happen.
Other key stories in the book include an alleged bomb plot by the Walsall anarchists, a scandal involving Chief Constable Taylor and life in Stafford jail.
Up until the 1860s Walsall had its own jail, initially under the Guildhall and then at the police station in Goodall Street.
After this time prisoners were sent to Stafford jail, where conditions are described as notorious.
Yowm Nicked is the latest in a series of local history books written by Mrs French.
The book draws to a close in 1939 when records show there were a total of 595 offences reported to the police.
They included 516 robberies, five indecent assaults on woman, a child cruelty case and one counterfeiting incident.
In the same year 86 bicycles were reported stolen and there were ten assaults on the police.
By 1939 the police force was continuing to expand with a total of 121 officers working in Walsall according to the Chief Constable's report.
Priced £7.99 it is available from Ottakar's bookshop in Park Street and Walsall Local History Centre in Essex Street.
