OAMARU SENSATION

Evening Star, Issue 21620, 16 January 1934, Page 6

OAMARU SENSATION

SAFE BLOWN OPEN [From Our Correspondent.] OAMARU, January 16. In connection with the burglary which occurred in the office of the Oamaru Municipal Gas Department during the week-end, it has been’ ascertained the manager of the department (Mr J. H. Grenfell) called at th% office on Saturday afternoon at 5 o’clock and found everything in order, so that the raid was carried out some time between then and Monday morning. The thieves who prized open a side window, broke open the fire-proof door and demolished the safe with gelignite, securing a sum of £l9 3s 8d in cash, as well as a cash box containing approximately 30s. A cheque was also taken.’ The cash box was later found in an adjoining section, and also the cheque. Several £1 notes were found on the floor by the police, suggesting that the departure of the thieves was a hurried one. The safe .was packed all 'round with sawdust, and among the debris, portions of the fuse and plug were found. In the manager’s . room draws _ had been forced open, hut nothing of importance taken. Another small safe had also received attention, hut contained only books and important papers, and was left untouched.