Century old criminals still turning heads (and hearts)

Although being convicted over 100 years ago, Daniel Tohill is still making hearts swoon.

The picture of Tohill was included as part of the New Zealand Police Museum exhibition, Suspicious Looking, a collection of mug shots from the mid 19th century.

Over the past months, Tohill has attracted half a million views – with no doubt many more through online sharing – making him an international sensation from his mug shot taken when he was convicted of theft in 1908.

Another ‘crime’ from 100 years ago is also the feature of a new exhibition at the New Zealand Police Museum launching today.

Forced to STRIKE! - Waihī 1912 is an exhibition that researches policing civil unrest and the story of one police officer in particular - Constable Gerald Wade - who was shot in the stomach by striking mine engineer Frederick Evans.  When Evans aimed his pistol at Wade for the second time, Constable Wade struck him with his baton. 

With Evan's subsequent death making him a martyr for the cause, Constable Wade was never recognised for the pain he suffered or the service he gave to his country.  One hundred years later the New Zealand Police Museum is setting the record straight.

The New Zealand Police Museum is located at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua and is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. Entry is free.