Mystery Theft Of Life Savings

Northern Advocate, 24 November 1943, Page 4

Mystery Theft Of Life Savings

,(P.A.) AUCKLAND, This Day. A specially daring burglary, involving the ioss of nearly £14,000 was carried out above the Sunshine Grill Rooms, Queen Street, during the absence of the proprietor, Mr. Tom Vittle, last night. The money was stolen from a safe in Mr. Vittle's bedroom and represented his apcumulated savings over the past 20 years. Between £9OOO - and £IO,OOO of the total was in American dollar bills of various denominations, the balance being in banknotes and. a little silver. ... When Mir. Vittle left his premises at 7.50 last night to go to a picture "show, he locked the door of his bedroom, which is upstairs above the restaurant. He had the only key to the safe in his pocket. He returned at 10.20 p.m. but did not immediately go to- his bedroom, remaining in the kitchen to assist the staff. On going upstairs at 11.40 p.ro., he found the bedroom door locked, as he had left it, but on entering the room he saw the safe door wide open. The money, which had been done up in bundles of notes, was missing. The bedroom window was open. It is believed the thief gained entrance over the roofs of buildings from a side street. As the safe was not blown open, it is a mystery how it was opened. The police, who were immediately notified, have been working on the case continuously.