Thieves Carried Two-way Radios

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31277, 25 January 1967, Page 3

Thieves Carried Two-way Radios

(New Zealand Press Association)

GISBORNE, January 24.

“The accused, Gray, had a full set of safeblowing equipment arid two two-way transistor radios,” said a detective-sergeant when two men, who admitted breaking and entering at Woodville, were remanded in custody until January 31 by Mr L. N. Ritchie, S.M,, when they appeared in Court today.

Charged with breaking into the premises of the T.A.B. at Woodville with intent to commit a theft were John Sidney Gray, alias John Sidney Martin, aged 29, a rigger, and Richard Albert Ranga, aged 25, a workman. Both pleaded guilty. For the police, Detective Sergeant B. H. Constable said the two accused had left Auckland in a car with two companions and on the night of January 4 had camped near Woodville. Removed Windows The accused left their two companions asleep and travelled to Woodville. There they attempted to drill holes in the rear door of the T.A.B. but were unsuccessful, so gained entry by removing louvre windows.

While Ranga kept watch. Gray exploded a charge of gelignite which failed to open the safe. A further charge was detonated causing some damage and allowing Gray to reach in and remove a bag containing £9OO in unidentifiable money.

The two accused then left the building and returned to their companions. Hired Car

The next day the four travelled to Napier, where a rental car was hired to travel to Gisborne.

Inquiries led to the finding of the two accused at Tolaga Bay. Detective Sergeant Constable said, and a search of the rental car revealed a bag containing £567 and a complete set of safe-blowing equipment. After at first disclaiming knowledge of the offence, the two admitted it and said they had spent the money on clothes, liquor and “having a good time.”

Restitution required was £426 being money not recovered and £250 damage to the building.