SAFE RIFLED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 131, 30 November 1939, Page 4

SAFE RIFLED

SUM OF MONEY STOLEN

EXPLOSIVE USED

A man skilled in the use of explosives ; was apparently responsible for the blowing of a.steel safe on the premises of Adams, Bruce, Ltd., 23-31 Majoribanks Street, some time last night. Just sufficient explosive was used to open the door of the safe and permit its contents to be removed.

At about 5.30 a.m. today when a baker, Mr. L. Holloway. arrived on the premises, he discovered that entry had been made, and he immediately informed the manager, Mr. C. G. Franklin. The police were called at once, and began their investigation.

It is thought the intruder entered through a large window leading into a boilerhouse at the rear of the premises. Cash boxes which were in the safe were rifled and the sum of £80 is missing.

Judgment in the quantity of explosives used is generally accepted as a guide to the experience of a safeblower. Frequently novices will use far too much gelignite, completely wreck the safe and.its contents, wake up the whole neighbourhood, and possibly injure themselves into the bargain. More than one safe-blower has maimed -himself for life through imperfect knowledge of.the use of powerful explosives. " ' ~ '..'".!

The blowing of safes which contain no money or valuables, but are used merely as; fireprdof cupboards for stowage of records, has resulted in much disappointment for would-be thieves but considerable expense for the owners of safes and premises. A remedy, which incidentally is recommended by the police, is for the owner of a safe to attach a note to this effect: "This safe is not locked. It does not contain any. money. Please do not blow it open!" Even if the thief regards the note with some suspicion, the odds are that he will turn the handle, open the safe, and having satisfied himself that there is indeed no money inside, will pack his tools and silently slip away.