Horse stealing in the Samara province in 1923-1925

This paper considers the problem of horse stealing in the Samara province in 1923-1925. The author conducted a study of causes and dynamics of horse thefts in the region, as well as of measures of the law enforcement agencies with a criminal activity. The paper shows the factors that contributed along with the generally unfavorable socio-economic conditions of the 1920s years to the growth of this type of crime in the region. On the basis of statistical indicators of militia and criminal investigation the author has studied methods of horse thefts in the province, the reasons for the growth of this type of crime in 1923 and the decline by the end of 1925. The paper considers problems of professional horse stealing and ethnic crime (criminal activity of representatives of the Turkic peoples). The author has revealed seasonal and spatial characteristics of the prevalence of cattle theft and established «centers» of horse theft in the province (Samara, Samara and Buguruslan Districts), as well as analyzed efficiency of militia activity and criminal investigation department of Samara province in the fight against this crime. The paper also contains the drawbacks in the organization of activities of local authorities, law enforcement and the court, as well as measures taken by the provincial authorities for the suppression of horse stealing in the period.