London Garrotting Panics Fueled by Media and Moral Panic in 19th Century

In the 19th century, London experienced a surge in crime and violence, with a new type of robbery known as 'garrotting' becoming the most feared. Garrotting involved an assailant grabbing the victim around the neck from behind, while an accomplice stole the victim's belongings. Reports of garrotting incidents soared, leading to widespread public fear and a moral panic fueled by sensationalized media coverage.

While there was some truth to the increase in convicted criminals on the streets, the extent of the garrotting threat was largely exaggerated. The press placed blame on a supposedly 'soft' penal system and the release of prisoners on parole. Driven by these media reports, the middle classes descended into a frenzy, convinced that they were under attack by violent garrotters lurking around every corner.

The garrotting panic reached a fever pitch in 1862 when an MP was attacked, reigniting public fears and debate. A spate of anti-garrotting products hit the market, promising protection against the dreaded assailants. The police were portrayed as ineffective in combating the threat, while prison reform advocates were accused of being too lenient on criminals.

Why this matters: The London garrotting panics of the 19th century serve as a striking example of how media sensationalism and public fears can fuel moral panics, leading to exaggerated perceptions of crime and calls for harsher punishments. Understanding the dynamics of moral panics provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between crime, media, and public opinion that continues to shape societal responses to perceived threats.

Historians and sociologists have studied the garrotting panics as a prime example of a moral panic, where intense fear and exaggeration by the media and public led to a disproportionate response to a perceived threat. The panics reflected anxieties about rising crime rates, urban disorder, and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Victorian London. While garrotting did occur, the actual risk to the public was far lower than the panic suggested, demonstrating the powerful influence of media narratives in shaping public perceptions and policy debates surrounding crime and punishment.

Key Takeaways

• 19th century London saw a 'garrotting' crime wave, involving neck-grabbing robberies.
• Media sensationalism fueled public fear, despite the threat being exaggerated.
• Panic led to calls for harsher punishments and distrust of prison reform.
• Garrotting panics demonstrate how media can shape perceptions of crime and policy.
• Moral panics often involve disproportionate responses to perceived, rather than actual, threats.