SAFE-BREAKING GANGS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28080, 22 September 1956, Page 12

SAFE-BREAKING GANGS

Mr Macfarlane Urges Deterrents EXTENDED HOURS FOR BANKING WANTED (From Out Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, September 21. Safe-breaking gangs which had been giving concern in the South IsianJ for many months could be discouraged if trading banks made arrangements for businesses to deposit their takings on Friday evenings, said Mr R. M. Macfarlane (Opposition, Christchurch Central) in the House of Representatives today. He was speaking during discussion of the Police Department estimates.

“There is a great deal of concern Id Christchurch and in Canterbury generally at the amount of safe-breaking taking place there,’’ Mr Macfarlane said. “I understand that one gang has been broken up and arrests made, but it does appear that another major gang is at work, and has been responsible for very daring exploits in and around Christchurch. I hope the police will be able to track down this gang.’’ The hauls of safebreakers could gbe reduced considerably, even if their activities were not, by improved trading bank facilities, Mr Macfarlane said It was common practice overseas—and a number of businessmen in Christchurch had suggested it in the last few weeks—for takings to be placed in a trading bank safe deposit on Friday evenings. “Surely the banks could make some facilities available and maintain extra staff, even if it means working to midnight. After all, this is 1956, and we are not still in the dark ages,” Mr Macfarlane said. “The gangs would know there were no large sums of money around, and their activities would be curbed. The Police Department might be interested to see if some arrangement could possibly be made in this direction.” “That is a very valuable suggestion.’’ said the Prime Minister and Minister of Police (Mr Holland). “I will undertake to see whether the Associated Banks can make some arrangement.’’