SAFE BREAKING - OLD STYLE

Around 1910 the Chatwood Safe Company published a Booklet called "The Modern Burglar" which included this illustration of the ripping method. Any safe, even bent body types, of less than ¼" wrought iron or steel thickness could be breached by ripping.

Click image for larger version. 

Name:	tin opener.JPG 
Views:	39 
Size:	150.1 KB 
ID:	22550 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	2.jpg 
Views:	45 
Size:	131.0 KB 
ID:	22551 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Capture.JPG 
Views:	36 
Size:	193.0 KB 
ID:	22552 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bus Company.jpg 
Views:	38 
Size:	336.1 KB 
ID:	22553

The method was universally successful on the basic safes of the day. The display items above were dedicated to Alexandrov, a well known Soviet Union cracksman. The quality of the tools he used were brilliantly made. Easily concealed and assembled on site with spike and lever attachments.

The burglary on the right is typical of a crime scene of the time. (London Bus Company)

The Police Forensic Departments held dozens of sample jars of the various types of sawdust fillings which led to the conviction of many burglars who had failed to dust themselves down.