In the 1930s, Leenside housed a police station where Chief Superintendent George W Downs began his career. Before World War I, Downs faced turbulent times in B Division, tackling violent criminals alongside Sergeant Wild, nicknamed Billy Blowitt.
In the 1930s, Leenside was home to a police station where Chief Superintendent George W Downs began his career. Prior to the First World War, Mr Downs, affectionately known as GD, served in B Division during what he referred to as "the toughest and most turbulent" times.
"It fell at the feet of a bystander, known to Sgt Wild, who shouted, 'Blow it Billy, blow it' and Billy ran down Crosland Place towards Leenside police station blowing for all he was worth." The adjacent slim alleyways leading to Leenside were also well-known crime spots, where passersby would be enticed by women only to be assaulted and robbed by their accomplices. To counteract the danger, police officers would patrol these alleys in pairs after sundown.
POLICE HISTORY GEORGE W DOWNS LEENSIDE WWI SERGEANT WILD
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