THIEVES THREATEN MOTORIST WITH CROWBAR

Chronicle (Levin), 1 December 1947, Page 4

THIEVES THREATEN MOTORIST WITH CROWBAR

Safe Blown On Lonely Road I Near Heatherlea

Driving home in the early hours of Saturday morning, a Koputaroa farmer disturbed four men in the act of rifling a stolen safe on the side of a road in the Heatherlea district. The men escaped in a cari after threatening the motorist with • a crowbar. • • ' The farmer had reached a bend . in the road when he heard two sharp explosions, and on turning the bend he saw the four men outlined in'the glare of his headlights. They were standing round the safe, which had been placed in a dug-out in the bank. As he, approached the spot one of the men ran out on to the road waving a crowbar in a threatening manner. It was not a pleasant experience and uncertain as to what course he should take, the motorist stopped the car, then put it into reverse. As he backed down the road he saw the four men run off to a car parked further down the road. Seeing them make off he •decided to give chase, and although he pursued them for some distance he was unable to catch them. Returning home he immediately contacted the police. The local police, under Sergeant W. Grainger and - assisted by a detective from Palmerston North,

carried out ceaseless investigations up to a late hour last night. • The safe recovered by the -Levin police was found to be one removed eariier 'in the evening from Bonner's Garage, Levin. The thieves had apparently removed it to a quiet spot in order to blow it open. Explosives had been used and two residents 'hear the spot repoft having heard two explosions. , The safe was in a badly damag'ed condition. The thieves' haul, however, was a very small one because the safe contained only 25s in silver. Furniture Shop Entered A second shop was entered by thieves in Levin on Saturday night. Entry was gained into the premises of Kingsway Limited, a large furniture store. Investigations made by the police lead them to believe that the thieves were preparing to remove the safe to a waiting motor car when they found that the safe door was ope'n. It is reported that this safe contained no valuables. , The police and detectives from Palmerston North are continuing investigations into both incidents. Commending the prompt action of • the motorist in a'dvising the police so expeditiouSiy, Sergeant Grainger said this morning that his presence of -mind was greatly appreciated. Such public cooperation was of great importance and often made for the speedier apprehension of criminals.