Ever wondered what the bad guys looked like back in the day?

This week’s #ThrowbackThursday comes from the pages of a very old book.

It’s a Police Identification Book believed to be from the 1930s, and was found hidden away in a junk shop by a member of the public, who then went on to donate it to Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. The images are now available on their Flickr archives.

Although there is no definitive information regarding which police force compiled the book, there is strong evidence to suggest that it’s from the Newcastle Upon Tyne area. As such, it provides a unique glimpse at some of the not-so-law-abiding citizens of the time.

See the gallery here:

Each mugshot is accompanied by the criminal’s details, and we can only imagine what some of those stories must be.

Some of the M.O.’s may also bring a wry grin to the face. For example: DODGSON, John. M.O., etc. Larceny and False Pretences. A general thief and bad character.

To see more of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums photographs, click here.

To see more local #ThrowbackThursdays, click here.

Do you have your own North East memories or photographs to share? Leave a comment below, or email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk!