Unemployed older men became night watchmen. These night
watchmen caught criminals and if they required help,
they could use greggers or noisemaking rattles to signal
parish constables.
.
In addition, private "thief-takers" could be hired by
victims of crime to apprehend criminals.
.
In 1749, chief Magistrate Henry Fielding founded the
Bow street Runners. The Bow street Runners wore a
blue dress coat with brass buttons and a red waistcoat.
These police were referred to as the "Robin Redbreasts",
and were something between barristers and thief-takers.
.
In 1754, Henry Fielding was replaced by his half-brother,
John Fielding.
.
On September 29, 1829, Robert Peel, 2nd
Baronet created the Metropolitan Police.