OPOTIKI THEFTS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12304, 19 April 1937, Page 2

OPOTIKI THEFTS

SEVERAL SHOPS ENTERED Opotiki, April 17. Several shops were entered in Opotiki last night, hut in each case only small sums of money were secured. Mr F. J. Rennett’s butcher’s shop, in Church Street, was entered from the rear of the premises, where a window- was removed. With the exception of about 7s in pennies the day’s takings had been taken away hy the proprietor, and only money from the sales of ice cream was taken. Mr J. T. Tahlt’s meat shop, in the main business area, was also entered, the fastenings of the lock on the back door being removed. An attempt was made to force the safe door by bashing the handle, but it was unsuccessful. The only money secured was a small amount from the office. Mr A. Stephenson’s clothing store was entered hy the front door, which was forced. The contents of the till, amounting to little more than 2s, were taken. As far as can he ascertained no goods were taken. Other losses have also been reported, the heaviest being from a house occupied by Mrs Wolfe, near the business area, where a thief reached through an open window and removed a purse containing nearly £l3. The occupants were absent at the time of the theft. Mr G. Guthrie's bakery had a window broken, but it was understood that nothing was stolen. These thefts have followed the burglary at the Opotiki County Council’s office, where a substantial sum was taken. A garage is also reported to have been entered recently, several pounds being taken. Owing to lack of support by business people the nightwatchman gave up his position some time ago.