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In the early 18th century, prior to there being a fully organised police force, if you were robbed there was little chance of seeing your silver again. To counter this problem Goldsmith's Hall organised a very effective system of passing information, in September 1722 they advertised this service:

Upon Application to the Beadle of the Goldsmiths Company at Goldsmiths Hall in Foster Lane, you may have Warnings printed and delivered, in three Hours time, at all the Goldsmiths, Jewellers, Brokers, and Watchmakers Shops, within the Bills of Mortality; to prevent and forbid the taking such Notes in payment, and desiring them to stop and detain such Goods. The Printer and Messengers always attending to dispatch the same. The Charge thereof if delivered to Goldsmiths only is 11 s. 8 d. if to Jewellers, Brokers, and Watchmakers is 1 l. 3 s. 4 d. It having been found by long Experience to be the readiest method for recovering Notes or Goods lost.

N.B. That all Goldsmiths, Watchmakers, Ec. are oblig'd to enter their Names and places of abode in the Assay Office at Goldsmiths Hall; whereby the Beadle and Messengers of that Company and no others can give so speedy notice as aforesaid

The system was very successful and led to the recovery of thousands of pounds of stolen goods over the years.

Trev. (Source Old Bailey Court Records).
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Let's see whether we can re-institute this apparently very effective system. We had a serious theft some years ago and apart from none of its being recovered the attitude of our police was rather indifferent, it seemed to suggest well, you have insurance so why cry over it?
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