Attempt To Rob Hospital

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31080, 8 June 1966, Page 20

Attempt To Rob Hospital

fXZ. Press Association > DUNEDIN, June 7. Armed with knives and wearing stocking masks, two men tried to rob St. Luke's Hospital for the Aged, in Melbourne street, South Dunedin, last night. They bound and threatened two members of the staff but were scared off before the safe could be rifled. While the matron, Miss E. Clark, was held captive by one of the men, the other took Nurse L. Whittaker at knife-point to the safe. But before he could take

[anything he was surprised by Sister M. Kleim. The man struck Sister Kleim in the face as he rushed past. He then called to his companion and both escaped. The two men called at the front door of the staff quarters at about 10 p.m. said Mr J. G. Cai rd, homes officer of the Presbyterian Social Services Association, which runs the hospital. The door was opened by Nurse Whittaker who was seized. Her wrists were bound with adhesive tape. She was forced to take the men to the matron who was bound to a chair with adhesive tape and a clothesline after she had surrendered the keys of the safe.

While the two women were watched over by one of the men. the other went in search of the office. He failed to find it in the dark and returned to the matron’s room. The second man then made an unsuccessful search for the safe. He returned and made Nurse Whittaker take him to the office. He threatened her and warned her that if she did not co-operate Miss Clark would be in danger. However, while the masked man began to examine the contents of the safe, Nurse Whittaker switched the light off and on.

The light was seen by Sister Kleim who was in the ward block and she went to investigate.

Sister Kleim was struck in the face by the man who left

the office as she tried to dial the emergency telephone number. , The contents of the safe, including patients' valuables, records and more than 150 in cash, were left intact

Both were young men, but one was stockily built and the other of slight build. The police searched the area with dogs but no trace of the men was found.