DEVILS IN THE DARK: CRIME IN BLACKOUT LONDON.

During WWII, the British government implemented a blackout policy to protect against German air raids, inadvertently creating opportunities for criminals in London. Historian Amy Helen Bell's research sheds light on the rise in murders and crimes during this period, including cases of individuals taking advantage of the darkness to commit heinous acts. The blackout not only increased property crime and black market activities but also led to a surge in violent crime, with foreign servicemen contributing to the rise in firearms on the black market. The challenges faced by the Metropolitan Police in combating crime during the war, including a shortage of manpower, are highlighted, along with the emergence of notorious serial killers like the 'Blackout Ripper' and John Reginald Christie. [Extracted from the article]