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Blitz spirit? It's another bonanza for spivs and thieves

From loo-roll heists to bogus virus tests, criminals are making hay as the crisis unfolds, just like during the second world war

There has been much talk during the current crisis of wartime measures and the “blitz spirit” amid the reports of good deeds and selfless volunteering. What may receive less publicity are the activities of those, as in the second world war, who will use these extraordinary circumstances not so much to help others as to help themselves.

While the traditional picture of wartime Britain is of a nation pulling steadfastly together, in fact the crime rate rose by 57% and everything from black-market racketeering and looting of bombed premises to the forging of ration cards and even murder disguised as enemy action was taking place.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3dFq9iS

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