19th Century Victorian London saw its share of violence.  In the poorer areas, overcrowding and lack of jobs sent crime skyrocketing.  Garroting (strangulation with a ligature) was a popular method of attacking someone.  It got to a point where folks thought ruffians were around every corner ready to pounce.  The "Peelers" (Metropolitan Police named for founder Sir Robert Peele) were even issued anti-garroting collars, 4- inch high thick leather collars.  The media sensationalized the trend so much that a "panic" ensued.   Peelers were also issued a truncheon, a bulls-eye lantern which hung from the belt, handcuffs, a rattle (to sound an alarm) and a heavy duty reinforced top hat referred to as a stovepipe hat.  The hat had cane strips on the inside and was also covered in leather to provide the wearer protection from blows to the head.