Burglars in black and white striped jumpers

[koster]

Why do pictures of burglars (in children's books, cartoons etc.) show them wearing black and white striped jumpers?

Do or did any burglars actually wear these?!

[seatrout]

'course they do - and they carry bags with swag written on. That how they get caught!

Sorry about that - too much wine! Its agood question though

[heathfield]

Curious. I wonder if it's got anything to do with the Parisian 'apaches' in Victorian times, or the Breton onion sellers who came each year to the UK, who also wore striped jerseys.

[warpig1]

I am a burglar and I always wear stripey top along with bag marked 'swag' and black eye mask, thought this was just traditional! Is that why I always get caught?

[koster]

Somebody suggested that the black and white striped jumper could have been prison uniform - just as prisoners in the USA now wear bright orange (in some films anyway).

[butterfly2]

well done for bein a looser

[Clanad]

In fact, prisoners, especially in the South during the era of about 1900 to 1950. were issued unifomrs that were black and white striped. Many were assigned work on the road gangs repairing county roads. The issue of escaping prisoners was partially addressed by issuing this distinctive clothing so as to readily identifying them...
Seen here:
http://www.jailmuseum.com/Aboutahaingangs.htm

[heathfield]

See:- Laurel and Hardy in 'Jailbirds' !

[koster]

Thanks Clanad. According to Wikipedia, chain gangs existed primarily in the USA. I was surprised to read that they still exist in some parts fo the USA. What do they wear these days?

I wonder whether black and white stripes were ever worn by prisoners in the UK?

Perhaps the black and white stripes we associate with burglars originate from American films and cartoons.

[morbidstorm]

they wear bright orange (health & safety reasons!) nowadays

[charlatan53]

The black and white stripes are convict uniforms. I suppose to identify burglars as criminals and likely prisoners. You certainly you don't want junior to identify with them in a positive manner.