Why were the police unable to catch the Jack the Ripper?

History Coursework Elliott Kimsey

Life in Whitechapel during the time of 1888 was known to be worthless, and cheap. Therefore the streets of Whitechapel were dangerous and risky. Crime was a big factor of life in the 1880’s especially for the street of Whitechapel.

Wealth was a major problem at the time, as lots of people were poor this made the streets packed with prostitutes and unemployed people, all looking for some sort of a way to gain money. This meant that jack the ripper could easily pick his targets. Night time was when people were at most risk especially prostitutes because they were out looking for business as they had no other choice. The prostitutes were highly at danger because there was a lack of lighting facilities at night and the narrow street and allies with gaps were the spot for business. These places were also ideal for a serial killer like Jack the ripper.

Crime rate at this time was increasing even though police forces like the Metropolitan police was established. This was because the Jack the Ripper murders created suspense and people were anxious to get hold of the serial killer. Even though they did attempt to use new methods to try and catch Jack the Ripper, such as the use of bloodhounds which made things worse as they failed and the media published it all over the penny dreadfuls.

The job of the police force was becoming impossible because there was never actual eyewitness who had witnessed the killing. Jack the Ripper ...