This day in history: Bing Crosby celebrated 50 years in showbiz. Lawman vowed to land Raffles the thief in the hoosegow

This day in history highlights two parallel moments in entertainment and policing, from Bing Crosby marking 50 years in show business to a Spokane convention’s mock pursuit of “Raffles.” In 1976, Crosby celebrated the milestone with his first London performance since World War II, with London critics praising his vocal tone and phrasing. The three-hour show included Rosemary Clooney as a guest and appearances by Crosby’s wife Kathryn and children Mary, Harry and Nathaniel, with all 13 London dates sold out. Crosby donated $122,500 in profits to six British charities. In 1926, the Northwest Police and Sheriffs Association met at the Davenport Hotel while “Raffles” stole from the lawmen, and Luke S. May vowed to end the “criminal” campaign—only to be foiled in a comic twist.