On February 4, 1720, Peter I issued a decree: “... in St. Petersburg, for better order to catch and suppress thieves' passages and other obscene people, make barriers at the ends of the streets, which should be lowered at night and have guards with a rifle. At first, the townsfolk were on duty with the soldiers, but soon their services were refused. In exchange, they began to take hryvnia from the townspeople to strengthen the soldier's guard service. Doctors, doctors, priests, messengers and "noble persons" were allowed to pass through the gates at night, provided that they had a burning torch with them, warning the guards from afar about their appearance.
