Trio of pickpockets jailed after targeting crowds at celebration

On the first Thursday of October 1867 Preston was the scene of much rejoicing as the new Town Hall was officially opened by the Duke of Cambridge.

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And the Avenham and Miller Parks were officially inaugurated with pomp and processions the order of the day as vast crowds filled the streets.

Inevitably amongst the visitors were some less desirable characters and the Preston police and officers from Lancashire were on hand to deal with the rogues and vagabonds out to profit from the gatherings.

On the day after the ceremonies nine men and two women were brought before the magistrates at the Preston police court having been accused of being in the town for unlawful purposes.

All eleven were informed that they would be remanded in custody until the following Monday when the festivities had ceased.

On the Saturday morning at the police court three alleged pickpockets appeared before the magistrates.