February 1652: An Act foi the better and more effectual Discovery and Prosecution of Thieves and High-way-men.

February, 1652

[27 February, 1651/2.]

Ten pounds reward for discovery of highwaymer and burglars.; Sheriff to pay rewards out of public money of counties.; Council of State may protect such as discover accomplices.; Continuance of Act.

Be it Enacted by the Authority of this present Parliament, That such person and persons who shall at any time from and after the First day of March, in the year One thousand six hundred fifty and one, discover to any Justice of Peace, or any other Officer of Justice, any person that hath committed or shall commit any Robbery on the High-way, or Burglary; or that hath or shall Feloniously break open any Dwelling-house, or Feloniously enter into any such house, and there use any violence upon any person or goods, and shall apprehend, or cause to be apprehended such Offender; Upon the Conviction of such Offender so apprehended by means of such his discovery, shall have a Reward of Ten Pounds for every such Offender so apprehended and Convicted. And all and every the Sheriff and Sheriffs of the respective Counties of England and Wales, where such Conviction shall be had, [shall] be required upon the Certificate of the Judge, or under the hands of two or more Justices of the Peace, before whom such Conviction shall be had, to pay unto such person or persons who shall so discover and apprehend such Offender, or upon whose discovery such Offender shall be apprehended, the Reward aforesaid of Ten Pounds for every Offender so apprehended and Convicted, out of the Publique Money received by him in that County; And that the same shall be allowed unto him upon his Accompts in the Exchequer. And be it further Enacted, That the Councel of State be impowered to give Reprieves or Protection to such person or persons guilty of any the Crimes before mentioned, as shall make any considerable Discovery of his or their Complices, or other the like Offenders, as they shall see cause, for the Safety of the Commonwealth, and to give an account of it from time to time to the Parliament, for their further direction therein. Provided, That this Act shall continue and be in force until the Eight and twentieth day of February, which shall be in the year of our Lord, One thousand six hundred fifty and four.