SAFE RIFLED

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20692, 30 December 1938, Page 6

SAFE RIFLED

PICTURE THEATRES’ LOSS BURGLARS AT HASTINGS KEY LEFT IN TICKET BOX (By Telegraph—Press Association) HASTINGS, Friday Approximately £6O, the takings of three picture houses, was the prize gained last night or early this morning when the office safe of the Regent Theatre, Hastings, was robbed. The Intruders committed a particularly daring burglary and were favoured by exceptionally good fortune In that by reason of special unforeseen circumstances the key to the safe was left on the premises allowing easy access to the safe. Entry to the theatre was made by forcing the open door of the scenery studio at the rear of the building. A search of the office and various receptacles appears to have been made but there was little to be gained. A visit was then made to the ticket box and typist’s office and it was then that Dame* Fortune played into their hands. A certain film shown last night had to be rushed to Palmerston North this morning in time to make connection with the services to Wanganui and the manager, Mr Allan E. Tong, had arranged to leave the key of the safe in the office so that the typist would be able to bank yesterday’s takings first thing this morning. Takings of Three Theatres The key was accordingly left in a little draw in the ticket-box and it would seem that while searching this small room the intruders came across a bunch of keys which included not only the safe key but also that of Mr Tong's office. After extracting the money the visitors locked the safe, placed the key upon the office table in a prominent position and decamped, using one of the theatre exits. The discovery of the night happenings was not made until about 9 this morning. The money stolen comprised the takings from the Regent, Municipal and Cosy Theatres, all of which are under the control of Hawke's Bay Amusements, Limited.