Throwback Thursday: Lit streets and radar reflections

1 September 1945: Street lighting returns

The restoration of street lighting after dark following the end of the Second World War raised the hopes of burglary insurance underwriters.

An underwriter told Post: “There can be no doubt that the blackout was one of the causes of the increase in burglary offences, and while it was probably not the chief cause, it is reasonable to assume that well-lit streets are a deterrent to burglars and must aid the police in their efforts to check the efforts of traditional enemies.”

Radar reflections for marine

Following the end of the war, underwriters were seeking more information about the cost of radar equipment for maritime navigation and to learn to what extent it is commercially available.

An underwriter observed: “There is indeed no limit to the beneficial adaptation of radar to transport, and the elimination of the hazards of darkness and fog.”