Second Thoughts are Best: Or a Further Improvement of a Late Scheme to Prevent Street Robberies

An expanded pamphlet proposes a practical scheme to prevent street robberies and highway attacks, criticising the existing watch as decrepit and ineffective and linking certain cultural trends to rising crime. It sets out administrative and operational reforms — stronger and better-organised night patrols, broader and brighter street illumination, clarified duties and incentives for watchmen, and measures to deter and detect burglars — while engaging anticipated objections and rival proposals. The author frames these recommendations for consideration by the sovereign and parliament and argues for public, legal, and civic remedies rather than private gain.