From the Roaring 20s to 2025: Australia’s Crime Scene Then and Now

Ah, the Roaring 20s—an era of glitz, glamour, and gangsters. While flapper dresses swished and jazz filled the air in America, Australia was carving out its own version of the roaring decade. But behind the Art Deco facades and champagne-soaked celebrations lay a world of crime that would make even Mort raise an eyebrow. Fast forward to 2025, and while the jazz has been replaced by Spotify playlists, Australia’s underworld hasn’t lost its edge. Let’s take a cheeky dive into the parallels—and differences—between then and now.

The Roaring 20s: When Crime Wore a Feathered Hat

The 1920s in Australia weren’t just about Charleston dances and cheeky champagne. It was a time when razor gangs ruled the streets, and sly-grog shops kept the booze flowing despite strict liquor laws. Sydney was a hotbed of criminal activity, with notorious figures like Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh leading rival factions in what became known as the Razor Wars. Armed with blades instead of bullets (thanks to strict gun laws), these gangs slashed their way into infamy.

And the police? Let’s just say their methods were about as subtle as a kangaroo in a china shop. Corruption was rife, and justice often came down to who had the sharpest razor—or the deepest pockets.

If Mort had been around back then, you can bet he’d be sipping coffee at the aptly named Tilly Devine Café between stakeouts. Known for its moody charm and excellent espresso, it’s exactly the kind of spot where a gumshoe like Mort would feel at home—whether he’s chasing leads or just enjoying a caffeine fix with a side of Sydney’s infamous history.

2025: Crime Gets an Upgrade

Fast forward to today, and while the razors have been swapped for ransomware, the spirit of the 20s lingers in the shadows. Cybercrime has taken centre stage, with hackers and digital crooks pulling off heists that would leave even the most seasoned 1920s gangster baffled. Forget robbing banks—these modern criminals can clean out an account without ever stepping foot in a building.

Meanwhile, organised crime has gone global, with syndicates running sophisticated operations that make the Razor Wars look like playground squabbles. But some things never change: corruption still rears its ugly head, and the eternal cat-and-mouse game between cops and crooks continues to thrive.

Then vs. Now: A Mort-Style Breakdown

  • Weapons of Choice:

    • 1920s? Razors and brass knuckles.

    • 2025? Keyboards, malware, and the occasional drone.

  • Biggest Hauls:

    • Back then, it was bootlegging and illegal gambling.

    • Now? Cryptocurrency scams and data theft.

  • Crime Boss Style:

    • Tilly Devine wore pearls and fur.

    • Today’s masterminds? Hoodies and a suspiciously new Tesla.

  • Justice Served:

    • 1920s justice was swift, messy, and often delivered with a wink and a bribe.

    • In 2025, it’s a race against encryption and VPNs, with justice often taking the form of a flashy televised arrest—or a quietly buried scandal.

Mort’s Take on It All

If Mort could time travel, he’d have a field day with the Razor Wars—staking out sly-grog shops, grilling underworld figures, and probably stopping for a flat white at the Tilly Devine Café to strategize. In 2025, he’s just as sharp, tackling cybercrime and dodging modern corruption with the same gritty determination.

Whether it’s razors or ransomware, the thrill of the chase never gets old. Want to see Mort in action? Download a free chapter of Book 1: You Killed My Wife and dive into the chaos, wit, and intrigue of The Mort Series.

The 20s may be roaring, but Mort’s got them covered.

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