BY the middle of the 1800s Helensburgh Town Council — having obtained a Police Act along with a Harbour Act in 1846 — acquired what had been the old theatre, on the corner of Sinclair and East Princes Street, for use as the Municipal Buildings.
It would also be for the Police Station and the Police Court. According to the records, it was also used for some church services which was not what those arrested for being drunk wanted to listen to — a real captive audience.
An upper floor was also used as a school until 1856 when Grant Street School was built.
The current buildings were designed and built by John Honeyman in 1878 on the site of the old town hall and theatre.
The building was extended eastwards along East Princes Street as the Railway Station buildings were attached in 1899 as the end of the line for the original Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway, the main feature being the glass canopy covering the station.
In 1906 the building was extended northwards up Sinclair Street and included the Police Office and the Fire Station, both entered via Sinclair Street.
At a council meeting in October 1933, Sir Ivar Colquhoun said he recommended that two cars, not exceeding 10 horse power, be purchased to replace the motorcycle combinations.
One of the arguments against was that it would reduce security as there would be less of a police presense — even in the early part of the century cars made police invisible.
Some of the burgh crime statistics for 1926 to 1946 were . . .
- During 1926 there were 187 crimes or offences reported implicating 210 persons
- During 1927 there were 178 crimes or offences reported
- During 1931 there were 136 crimes or offences reported implicating 134 persons
- During 1932 there were 115 crimes or offences reported implicating 109 persons
- During 1933 there were 158 crimes or offences reported implicating 164 persons
- During 1934 there were 180 crimes or offences reported implicating 176 persons
- During 1935 there were 196 crimes or offences reported implicating 196 persons
- During 1936 there were 227 crimes or offences reported implicating 233 persons
- During 1937 there were 446 crimes or offences reported implicating 458 persons
- During 1938 there were 431 crimes or offences reported implicating 447 persons
- During 1939 there were 356 crimes or offences reported
- During 1940 there were 385 crimes or offences reported implicating 390 persons
- During 1945 there were 140 crimes or offences reported implicating 164 persons
- During 1946 there were 204 crimes or offences reported implicating 185 persons
