The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-10-12
BURGLARS FAIL
TO ROB THEATRE
Break Into Academy
BoxOmceAfter Maude
Adams Cash.
USED DIAMOND
TO CUT GLASS
Expected Rich Harvest, but
$1,000 Had Been Removed
Monday Afternoon - Key
Snapped in Ticket Rack,
Which Alone Saved
Heavy Loss There.
Expected Rich Harvest, but
$4,000 Had Been Removed


1owed into the Golfers of the Academy
of Music Monday through the advance
sale of seats for the Maude Adams en-
gagement, and believing a rich haul in
prospect masters of the cracksman's
art entered the Eighth Street play
house some time Monday night, but
without being rewarded for their trou-
BILE.
Is still mystery. the only possible
explanation being that they had key
which fitted the doors. No evidence
was left to show that any OF the en-
frances had been forced But an en-
trance was effected. After semi
circular piece OF glass had been re-
moved by means OF glass-cutter's
diamond. the box-ofiice was entered
and ransacked for specie of the realm.
Unfortunately. from the burglars
standpoint. but peculiarly fortunate
from the standpoint OF Leo Wise. man
ager of the Academy, the cash drawer
had been emptied, as Is the usual GUS
tom. and all OF the money removed to
place OF safety behind the doors OF a
burglar-proof vault
Tried 10 Steal Tickets.
Probably chagrined at the absence OF
money, the marauders sought to break
open the ticket rack. holding about
$4,000 worth OF tickets for the performs
ance. A key of the ordinary type was
inserted in the lock. 1t was evidently
poor fit, for not only did IL refuse
to do the work, but actually broke off.
leaving an additional expense behind.
for the broken key had to be removed
and another lock substituted.
The attempted robbery was at once
reported TO the police. Manager Wise
was awakened by his ianitor ct Z
o'n,ock yesterday morning and greeted
with the very pleasant Information that
his box-ofiice had been robbed. Visions
OF ticket rack depleted--he knew
there was no money about-arose, and
thero was rapid scurrying for clothes.
Wise Called From bed.
Arriving at the theatre the manager
at once began an investigation. He
learned little for his pains except that
the burglars had been successful IN
gaining an entrance. but through what
means was a mystery. Then the cres-
cent-shaped opening in the ticket office
was discovered. a hasty survey of the
Office disclosed the fact that the ticket
rack was still locked. The cash
drawer. of course. was empty. 1t was
then question OF checking the tickets
III tNe rack Will ~IdI Ilau DeEN SOlu, III
order to determine whether any had
been stolen. Much to the satisfaction
of every one concerned. 1t was discov-
cred that all tickets were either pres
ent or accounted for. Then there was a
sigh of relief.
1t has not been many months since
the Academy was robbed, the safe en-
tered and an appreciable sum OF money
taken. The robber in the first instance
has never been apprehended.
Expected Rich Haul.
1t is not regarded as remarkable
that the burglars should have chosen
the night in question. Watching the
steady stream OF people lined in front
of the box-office purchasing tickets to
see Miss Adams, it would have been
apparent that there must be on hand a
considerable sum OF money AS mat
ter of fact, had not Manager Wise. as
is his usual custom. used the precau-
ton. to remove all money from the the
atre. the thieves would have secured
upwards OF $4,000, probably the big
gest advance sale for single day the
house has ever known.
Detective John Wiley, from head
quarters, who was detailed on the case,
pronounced 1t one of the neatest jobs
he had ever seen. The dexterity of
the rogue in gaining an entrance with
out leaving a mark was commented
upon. Evidently the men We're after
money, for nothing else was molested,
though as stated above, an attempt
was made to get into the ticket rack.
I Detective Wiley is at loss how to
proceed. for the reason that no clue
was left behind.
New Lockx Provided.
New locks have been placed on all
doors leading to the Academy foyer.
This precaution was taken Immediately
by Manager Wise in order to prevent a
repetition of the attempt 1t is certain
that no one connected with the theatre
is connected with the attempted bur-
glary, as all employees are fully aware
OF the fact that no money is kept on
the premises, 1t Is known that several
persons entered the theatre after dark,
including Mr.. Wells. who was in the
city attending the Virginia League
meeting However, they found every
thing all right. The officer on the beat
4 reported that he had tried all Of the
I doors on more than one occasion and
found Them securely locked.
The police will continue working on
the case in the hope of landing the bur
! glars.