13th June 1812: "The Arms-stealing system still prevails" in Huddersfield

On 13th June 1812, the Leeds Mercury carried this brief report from their Huddersfield correspondent about the system of raiding for arms underway in and around Huddersfield:

The Arms-stealing system still prevails—several stand have been stolen this week.—The Luddites are likewise very active in stealing lead pipes, and some dying-vessels, made of lead, have been cut in pieces and carried away. In consequence of the Voluntary Association for watching and patroling, this town is kept very quiet; but out of the limits of the patrole, depredations are committed every night.