£14,000 STOLEN

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22203, 24 November 1943, Page 2

£14,000 STOLEN

SAYINGS OF 20 YEARS

RESTAURANT OWNER’S LOSS (By Telegraph—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Wednesday. A daring burglary, involving the loss of nearly £14,000, was carried out above the Sunshine Grill Rooms in Queen Street, Auckland, near St. James’ Theatre, 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 accumulated savings over the last 20 years. Between £9OOO and £IO,OOO of the total was in American dollar bills of varij ous denominations, the balance being in bank notes and a little silver. When Mr Vittle left his premises at 7.50 last night to go to a picture *how, he locked the door of his bedroom, which is upstairs above the restaurant, and he had only the key of the safe in his pocket. He returned at 10.20, but did not immediately go to the bedroom, remaining in the kitchen and assisting his staff. On going upstairs at 11.40, he found the bedroom door locked as it was left, but on entering the room he saw the safe door open, and the money, which had been tied up in ; bundles of notes, was missing. The bedroom window was onen. and it is believed the thief gained entrance <wo r the roofs of buildings from a side street. As the safe was not blown onen. it is a mvcterv how it war was opened. Mr Vittle had been for a number of years at this address. The police, who were immediately notified. have been working on the cass conti