New Hampshire 1939: Crime on the Rise

New Hampshire in 1939 was a state gripped by the Great Depression. As the nation struggled to recover from the economic downturn, crime rates were on the rise. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which began collecting crime data in 1930, New Hampshire’s crime statistics paint a picture of a state in turmoil.

Property crimes dominated the landscape, with larceny-theft being the most prevalent offense. As people became increasingly desperate, thefts of food and other essential items skyrocketed. The FBI UCR program reported that larceny-theft accounted for the majority of property crimes in New Hampshire, reflecting the state’s struggle with poverty and economic hardship.

Nationally, the FBI UCR program reported a significant increase in crime rates during the late 1930s. The rise of organized crime, led by groups such as Al Capone’s successor, Frank Nitti, and the infamous Karpis-Barker Gang, contributed to the surge in violent crime. In New Hampshire, however, violent crimes like murder and manslaughter were relatively rare, making up a small percentage of reported offenses.

The state’s small-town charm and rural landscape also played a role in shaping its crime statistics. With a relatively low population density and a strong sense of community, many crimes were likely reported and addressed locally, rather than relying on federal law enforcement agencies. The FBI UCR program’s data for New Hampshire in 1939 reflects this, with a higher percentage of crimes being reported and cleared at the local level.

As the nation continued to struggle with the Great Depression, New Hampshire’s crime statistics served as a stark reminder of the state’s economic hardships. The rise of property crime and the dominance of larceny-theft highlighted the state’s desperate situation, where people were forced to turn to crime in order to survive. The FBI UCR program’s data for New Hampshire in 1939 provides a unique glimpse into the state’s tumultuous past, a time when crime and poverty went hand-in-hand.