SAFEBREAKERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 13, 16 January 1942, Page 6

SAFEBREAKERS

IN CITY PREMISES

ONLY 14/6 STOLEN

Safebreakers who broke into the large premises of George Walker. Limited, auctioneers. 210, Queen Street, last night or early this morn>ng, had a Jot of work for very little reward. They found the kevs of one safe and opened it—to find documents. but no money, and then in another part of the office blew open a bigger safe with gelignite—to find it contained nothing but papers.

However, they ransacked the offices in a search for money. Doors leading to the various offices and many drawers of desks were prised open and the office was found in a state of" confusion this morning when a cleaner arrived.

Entrance was gained by forcing a fanlight in Elliott Street. The thieves went upstairs and obtained a large white sheet which they placed over the front of the safe to deaden the sound of the explosive placed and fired in the keyhole.

The door of the safe was cleanly blown open, suggesting that the operators were experts. All the burglars got forjiheir trouble was the sum of 14/6 in pettv cash, which was left in a till. To get out of the building the thieves had to prise open a rear door from the inside.

It is believed the safe was dvnamited early this morning, for there was still evidence of smoke in the office when it was opened by the cleaner about 7.30 a.m.