Years ago the old-fashioned strong box was considered quite an
adequate protection for hoarded wealth and was the legitimate
successor of the stocking in which the gold pieces were carefully
stored and hidden away. The strong box of wood bound with iron
and with ponderous locks proved but child's play for the burglar
thoroughly intent upon obtaining its contents. Then came the more
modern iron and steel safe, with its thick plates of highly tempered
metal and ingeniously complicated time locks.
Safe breakers have more than kept pace with improvement in safes,
including time locks, chilled steel chests of eight or nine inches
thicknesses and electric protective attachments. Their tools are made
by some of the finest mechanics and inventive geniuses of the world. A
full kit of the most approved modern safe workers' tools costs about
$5,000.
The modern burglar is like love in one respect; he "laughs at
locksmiths." Yet he is not much of an artist, although he is rapidly
improving. The simple tools of the burglars' trade indicate how easily
the contrivances made to bar his progress are overcome. Yet these
tools give no mark of great mechanical genius. They are as crude as
the average burglar is. They are in keeping with his practices of
force and brutality. The destructive power of the best pieces of
handiwork is their main advantage, and doubtless an illustration
of the house-breaker's stunted idea, that the best way to overcome
obstacles is in all cases to break them down.
The tools used by the burglar are supplied to him. They are made by
men after his own heart, and who make for him what is most effective
in his hands. No doubt there are smart men engaged in the business of
defying law and setting the rights of honest people at naught. Some of
the methods they employ might be used to their credit in a commendable
industry.