This Day in History: 1930-10-29
In what was described as “one of the most daring crimes ever perpetrated” in this area, a group of thieves broke into the Lafayette Theater in Suffern, wheeled the safe into the playground in back of the high school and blew it open. They made a quick get-away with over $1,000 in cash. Police speculated that some local person had informed the criminals of the layout of the theater since they were able to break into the office of the darkened theater. They apparently tried to blow open the door of the small safe in the Ladies Room and when unsuccessful, wheeled it outside. The apparently had a number of lookouts and were prepared for a swift escape. They left some clues but Police Chief Lunney said that these obviously professional criminals were still at large. (Bristow)