SAFE BLOWN OPEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21952, 13 May 1933, Page 14

SAFE BLOWN OPEN

WORK OF AN EXPERT RAILWAY STATION ENTERED OFFICER SURPRISES INTRUDER {Per United Press Association.) W AIM ATE, May 12. The Morven railway station, nine miles from Waimate, was entered by the use of a skeleton key in the early hours of this morning. The safe was blown open and over £IOO was stolen. It was evidently the work of an export safe blower, as no noise was heard at the nearest house, 200 yards distant, and tae night was calm. The station master (Mr W. F. Gallery) went on duty at 3 o’clock to switch the signals for a goods train, and met a young man walking out of the oflice. “ What are you doing? ” asked the astonished station master. The man, who appeared to be carrying a bottle, replied: “ Looking for a doss.” The station master asked : '* What have you got? How did you get in?” The man replied: “ I’ve got nothing, I got the keys from the station master," saying which he tossed a key toward Mr Gallery. « j/ike you did,” said Mr Gallery, and stepped towards the Intruder, who stepped back and, putting his left hand in his. pocket, said: “ Gome any nearer and I’ll pot you.” Then he edged away and quickly disappeared into the night. Picking up the key, which proved to be a skeleton key, Mr Gallery entered the station oflice, which is also the post office, and found the safe gaping open and empty and the cash boxes strewn around Bags of salt had been used effectually to deadeu the sound of the explosion, and about 70 empty sacks, probably ob tained from the railway yard, were also used.

Forty pounds in notes and silver was taken, as well as over £7O worth o£ postal notes, ranging from notes for Its up to £l, the smaller denominations being left. \ The office date stamp had been altered to the “ 12th,” so presumably the postal notes had been stamped, unless Mr Gallery arrived before the thief was able to do this. A case of brandy ’’ad been opened and one bottle taken. It was moonlight at the time of the encounter, and Mr Gallery describes the burglar as about sft Sin in height, between 30 and 35 years of age, clean shaven, wearing a grey sports coat, and apparently a dark brown hat. The police were communicated with, and were promptly on the scene.