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If you know your party's extension, press or say 1. To leave a message in our company mailbox, press or say 2. Spoiler alert. It will be full representative. Would you speak to your mother in that tone? Speak to a real human being. You shouldn't need to shout into the void to get your health insurance questions answered. Pacific Source Health Plans this is a real person. How can I help you? Human service, not automated Phone Pacific Source Health Plans it's true that some things change as we get older. But if you're a woman over 40 and you're dealing with insomnia, brain fog, moodiness and weight gain, you don't have to accept it as just another part of aging. And with MIDI Health, you can get help and stop pushing through it alone. The experts at MIDI understand that all these symptoms can be connected to the hormonal changes that happen around menopause. And MIDI can help you feel more like yourself again. Many healthcare providers aren't trained to treat or even recognize menopause symptoms. MIDI clinicians are menopause experts. They're dedicated to providing safe, effective, FDA approved solutions for dozens of hormonal symptoms, not just hot flashes. Most importantly, they're covered by insurance. 91% of midi patients get relief from symptoms within just two months. You deserve to feel great. Book your virtual visit today@joinmidi.com that's joinmidi.com welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and thank you for donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com this is your FBI. This is your FBI an official broadcast from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, presented as a public service by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. To your FBI, you look for for national security and to the equitable society for financial security. These two great institutions are dedicated to the protection of you, your home and your country. Tonight, the story of a crime against society. Grand Larcenist There is no such thing as a typically criminal face. A criminal can look like the most respectable citizen. Beneath the surface, he may be a counterfeiter or a pickpocket or a safecracker. But on the surface, on the physical surface, you see, he may look like an accountant or a mechanic or a salesman. A few criminals have been smart enough to take advantage of this fact by leading double lives, by actually pretending to be a respectable citizen without anyone knowing differently. Neither the police nor the community, nor even in one case, the criminal's own wife. Dan I Hope you're going to finish that pudding. Oh, honey, I. I really don't have time. Oh, come on now. How about just a little more? Well, okay. The way you try to fatten me up, I'll have to start going to a gym. Well, you need your calories, Dan, with all that night work you do. Pays dividends, honey. Pays dividends. Oh, I know. I ran into Mrs. McKinney downtown today and she said her husband said you were the top salesman of the company. Is that what she said? Well, of course. You know what we get if I top all sales for this month? No. What? A trip to Mexico. All expenses paid. Daniel. Yep. Hey, I better be getting underway. Oh, are you working again tonight? Got a good prospect. I think I can land. Oh, Dad. I hate leaving you alone again, honey, but business is business. Oh, I don't mind that. I just don't like to see you work so hard. It pays dividends. Well, I wish there was some easier way of getting to Mexico. Honey, believe me, I'm getting us to Mexico the easiest way anybody could. Now, wait up to his wife, to his community, to the world. Daniel Hawley was a hard working citizen. And he was a salesman, a good one during the day. At night, however, Daniel Hawley was something else. On the evenings when he wasn't with his wife, when he wasn't busy being a model citizen, he was at work in a store or an office or a shop. At work in a building which had a safe. Dan. Hello, Johnny. Where the devil you been? Well, I had a late dinner And a blanket, of course. And the nitroglycerin. Well, this is going to be an easy job. Yeah, it will. I studied it very carefully the other afternoon. Very easy. I'm glad you think so. Yeah, takes like. Thought you were going to call me this afternoon. I didn't have time. There was a prospect I had to see. You don't say. Ah, I think a wall charge will be enough to blow this. I finally got tired of waiting, so I tried to call you. I thought I told you never to call unless it was absolutely necessary. I didn't know whether you were going to show up tonight. I told you I was. Anyway, there was no answer. Oh, we've got a new number. Oh, that's great. I suppose all your prospects know it but me. Where am I gonna call if I need to? Here. What's that? One of the company pencils the numbers on. Okay, if you think I. Come on, come on, come on. Get the charge set. We haven't got all night. No, you gotta be on a job bright and early in the morning. That's right. What's the percentage in it? Free trip to Mexico, Huh? You wouldn't understand even if I told you. No, I'm stupid. I only like to have one job at a time. You finished setting that charge? Yeah. Okay, let's have the blanket. Here. There. The car. Outside. To us. Now, you know what you have to do right after the safe pops open. I know, I know. Okay, then stand back. There can't be a perfect crime because there isn't a perfect human being. Criminals, like the rest of us, make mistakes. But theirs are more costly. And that safe, which Daniel Hawley cracked with jewels for military precision instruments belonging to the United States. They weren't worth much. But just by taking them, he made one small mistake. One very little mistake, which was the worst he could make. He violated a federal law and thereby challenged the FBI. Did you get all the evidence the sheriff had, Will? Yes, right down to fingerprints. Any good ones? Not too good from this last job. But there were very clear ones from some of the others. They're being checked in the laboratory now. How many jobs has this fellow pulled anyway? Well, there's no way of knowing yet whether he was in or not of them. But in the last three years, there have been 14 burglaries in that district. All safe tracking. Yes, and all done in the same way. Come in. Oh, hello, Helen. Here's a teletype on those fingerprints. Fast work. You got anything? We sure did. Here's the file we have on the gentleman. Thanks, Helen. You're welcome. Well, seems he's an old hand at the game. Really? His record goes back to 1930. Between then and 1938, our friend was arrested four times. Petty larceny, attempted assault, burglary. What about after 38? Nothing. He got out of prison then and apparently has just disappeared. No record of his possible whereabouts? No. What's his name? Kaler. Joseph Kaler. Description? Yes. Five, ten and a half. Heavy scent. Brown hair, brown eyes. No distinguishing marks. Just average looking. Yes, that's what he looked like in 1938. Seven years ago. So about all we know is that he has a record. And the sheriff doesn't have any more on him either. Nice blind alley. Well, he made the mistake of leaving his fingerprints around. He made the mistake of violating a federal law. Maybe he's made another one we don't know about yet. Well, if he hasn't, maybe he will. No, maybe it's about that. They always do. If there are five steps involved. In the committing of a crime, then there are 5,000 mistakes the criminal can make. Some are even made after the crime is committed. Many criminals, for example, take a curious pleasure in walking by the doors of a police station and returning to the scene of the crime in deliberately courting danger. The most common mistake is that criminals cannot stop if he gets away. Once, the professional criminal tries again, thinking he has learned more, but not realizing that the more crimes he commits, the more chance he has of being caught. Because he is bound to make more mistakes. Daniel, are you very busy? We were too busy for you. What is it? Well, I've been trying to straighten out my accounts for the month. All right, all right. Oh, it's not what you think at all. Bank doesn't add, right? No, the baking company doesn't. They sent me this bill for $5 and 80 cents. And we really owe them $9.80. Are you sure? Of course. I know what I bought. Then what's the trouble? Well, they're a big company, and if they can't get their bills. Laura, make out the check for $9.80. But honesty may not be its own reward. Daniel, I wasn't here. Oh, dear. But for $4, you'd have it on your conscience. I'd have it on mine. It's not worth it, Laura. It's never worth it. You mean sooner or later they always find out? That isn't the point. Why, no, dad. Anyway, they don't always find out. So it's just a question of your own honesty. Daniel, I'm making out the check for the right amount. That's my girl. Just a drop in the bucket. What do you mean? That company does a wonderful business. Harriet's cousin told me. She works in the Ohio office, the one just across the river. What'd she do there, teach books or something? But she said that at the end of every month, they always have at least nine or $10,000 in the safe in that office alone. You don't say it. You can ask her yourself at the party tomorrow night. Huh? What? I said you'll see her tomorrow night at the party. Well, Laura, about that party, I. I don't think. Now, Dan, I thought you said definitely you wouldn't have to work tomorrow night. Oh, but, honey, there's that trip to Mexico, you know. Oh, Dan, you say. I know, dear. I'm very sorry. But I just heard of a prospect. A particularly good one. You ready, Johnny? Yeah. Okay. Stand back. Nice and neat, John. Nice and neat. Not bad. I hope there's as much dough Inside that safe as you think. Why shouldn't there be baking company? Well, there's only one sure way to find out, and that's. But how do you like that? What? Look. Got a small safe inside the big one. You sure cased this job, didn't you? Shut up. Oh, come on. Let's put the blanket over the little one. There isn't time. What? There isn't time. The watchman will be back again on his round. What are we gonna do? Chalk it up to experience? Shut up. Let me think. While you're thinking. I hope you don't mind if I just. Hey, wait. Come on. Where? Help me lift the little safe out. We can't carry that out of the building. First place is too heavy, and then the second place, we can carry it 10 yards, can't we? What if we can't? There's an elevator over there that'll take us right down to the basement. Then what? The basement's really a loading platform. The company keeps its delivery trucks down there. We put the safe in the truck. Okay, let's look at it. I'm not so heavy. Heavy enough. All right, this way. You know how to work the elevator? Sure, sure. All right, cut her down. Easy, easy. There. Now shine your flash. What for? So I can find the starter for this. Oh. Hey. Hope that watchman's hard of hearing. Yeah, just hope he's on the other side of the building. Thought you said he was. That's where he's supposed to be. It's true that some things change as we get older. But if you're a woman over 40 and you're dealing with insomnia, brain fog, moodiness and weight gain, you don't have to accept it as just another part of aging. And with MITI Health, you can get help and stop pushing through it alone. The experts at MITI understand that all these symptoms can be connected to the hormonal changes that happen around menopause. And MITI can help you feel more like yourself again. Many healthcare providers aren't trained to treat or even recognize menopause symptoms. MIDI clinicians are menopause experts. They're dedicated to providing safe, effective, FDA approved solutions for dozens of hormonal symptoms, not just hot flashes. Most importantly, they're covered by insurance. 91% of MITI patients get relief from symptoms within just two months. You deserve to feel great. Book your virtual visit today@joinmidi.com that's join M I D I dot com. Let's try. Okay, let's pick her up and dump her on the back of this one. Lifting wallets is a lot easier on the back. Yes, but there's a lot less in them, too. All right, I'll shut her down. Easy, easy, easy. You going to drive through it? I slide in, man. What? Ignition keys. What? Where? The ignition keys. How are you going to start this thing? They always leave them in the truck somewhere. Where? Usually on the little ledge under the watchman. Yeah, shoving his light around. Shut up. Where are those two? Will you shut up? It's the police. All right, got him. Now hold on tight, because the minute he turns, I'm going to move fast. Just started. Ready, Danny? Shining the light on the elevator. Too late now. Who's that? Powerful. Who's that? Choke it. Choke it. Who's in the truck? Come on. Come out of that truck. Up. Hold on, Johnny. Okay, after we pull out of this alley, we're in the clear. Keep your eye out, Johnny. And you, Johnny. What do you know? Got you. Well, I'm sorry, friend, but there's no room for excess baggage on this trip. So out you go. This is the way you figure it, Will. I lifted the small tape out here, then carried it over there to the elevator. Sure. Anything yet on the one of his found shots? No, except he wasn't the one we were looking for. The description doesn't tell it. Maybe his partner is the one we're looking for either. Well, he left fingerprints all over the steering wheel of the truck and all over the small trace. We'll know soon enough if they match the others. Even if they don't, he's the case for us. How do you mean? Well, we drove a stolen truck across the river and over the state line. Did you find anything on the body of the emblem? No, just the usual things. Keys, wallet, a pencil from some company, a bar of candy, and of course, his gun. Nothing to give us a leave? Nothing that looks too good. Neat job on this face. We've had enough practice. I wonder where they got the nitroglycerin. Probably homemade. You know, Harvey, I knew it. I knew sooner or later our little friend would make a mistake. What have you got there? You know how these boys always cover a stake with a blanket when they crank it? Sure. Well, here's a piece of that blanket this time. Mr. Kaler, or whatever he calls himself, left his visiting card. We momentarily close the Federal Bureau of Investigations file on Daniel Hawley's thief. We'll return to this case in just a moment. If you believe in democracy, then you believe in life insurance. They go together first let's consider the typical owner of life insurance. A man who says to himself, look, I believe in taking care of myself. If I die, nobody else will have to look out for my family when I get old, Nobody else will have to support me. Men of that breed, right thinking, independence, self reliance. Make democracy work. The equitable life assurance society of the United States are mutual organizations is dedicated to cooperation with such men to help them make democracy work. The equitable is owned by its members, that is to say, by its 3,200,000 policyholders. And all the society's funds are put to work for the benefit of all its members. Finally, remember that these equitable funds are so invested that they promote the system of free enterprise on which our democratic agreement economy rests. So by serving its members, the equitable serves america. And now, back to the file on Daniel hawley. Peace crimes which would have been left unsolved years ago can be solved today and solved quickly for one reason. Laboratory work. That's why the FBI has built up its own laboratory until it is now the best in the world. Years ago, a small piece of a blanket would not have been a closed. But in the Hawley case, it was the lead the speculations had been waiting for. They sent the piece of cloth immediately to the laboratory and had it analyzed. Had the texture, the weaving, the thickness, the dye. Every conceivable element in that piece of blanket analyzed until they found who manufactured it from the manufacturer. They found in what areas that tight blanket was sold. They kept narrowing down the hunt until at last they found the only store in the vicinity of the burglaries which had that blanket for sale. Oh, we don't have that blanket anymore. It's wool. You know, wool blankets are hard to get these days. How long has it been since you've had it in stock? Oh, two years now. Maybe even more. And I guess you wouldn't remember who you sold it to. No, but I could find out. You said. Sure. That was a pretty fine blanket. You know, when they came in, I called all my starch customers and said, grab them while you can. Did they all buy blankets? No, sir. I didn't have enough to go around. My one customer alone bought half a dozen. Who was that? I couldn't tell, except it was one of the charge customers. How many charge customers did you have then? Oh, several dozen. I see. Do you have a list of who they were? Sure. But how are you going to pick out the one you're looking for? We'll pick him out 34 names. I know, but I think we'll pick out the right one. 36 man's actually. Well, I know it'll take quite a while to check all of them. Yes, I was thinking about that. Fortunately have his description or a description of him seven years ago. And probably over a dozen men on that list could fit it. Let me see it again. Sure. Ruckus, Anderson, Green. That name. What about. I've seen it someplace before. It's not a very unusual name. No, but I've seen it someplace. But I'm trying to remember. Holly. Oh, that name was in the local paper this morning. The salesman named Dan Holly won a contest. Yeah, I saw it too. He worked for. Wait a minute. Have you still got the stuff that was found on the other man's body? Sure, right here in the drawer. This pencil right here. It is Keeler's product. Let's do that. Sales will work for us. Daniel Pauley, alias Joe Keiller. Oh, it can't be sure. It's too much of a coincidence. We still can't be sure. I know, but we've got Keeler's fingerprints. They match the prints on the steering wheel of that truck. And if Hawley's met. Well, suppose we visit Mr. Hawley and see if we can get his print. Sit down, gentlemen. Mrs. Holly's upstairs, but I can get her down quite all right. There's no need of bothering her. How about a drink? No, thank you. You, sir? No, thanks. We're really here to ask you a few questions, Mr. Hawley, if you care to answer them. Why, I'd be delighted too, sir. Delighted. How long have you lived here? Well, let me see now. Almost six years, I think. And before that? Before that I was in New England. Where? Oh, I was a salesman there too once. A salesman always too, I guess. Pretty cold up there, isn't it? Yes, indeed. I was glad to get back in. I have a nan up there now. She's just freezing, she says. Can't get enough blankets. Well, I don't wonder. Hard to get now. Yes, sir. Are you one of those lucky people who stocked up while you could fill gut blankets, Mr. Hawley? Well, frankly gentlemen, I have to admit I did buy a couple. Blue wool. Yes, matter of fact, I believe there were. You think we can see them? Afraid not. Mrs. Hawley's got them all packed away in morph balls for the summer. And you know how women are. Yeah. I understand you're a top salesman over at Peerless for this area, Mr. Hawley. Hard work and lots of luck will always do it. I Say, mainly luck. Do you have any cards or do you always give out pencils like this? Is that one of my pencils here? Ah, yes. So does you mind if I hang on to it? No, not at all, sir. A pleasure. Thanks. May I ask where you got that pencil, sir? We found it on the body of a safe cracker who was shot. You don't say. Yes. Well. Well, those pencils sure keep bad company, don't they? They certainly do. Well, I think we'll be getting along, Mr. Hawley. Ah, I'm sorry I couldn't be more apt. Goodbye, Mr. Hawley. And thanks for the pencil. Not at all, gentlemen. Goodbye. But Daniel, what in the world are you doing? Are you packing? Daniel Hawley, where are you going? To New York. New York? Yes. I thought those two men were. Two men? This the ones that just left. I saw them from my window and I said to myself, Laura, that's just going to mean more work for Daniel. That's pretty nice work, honey. What do you mean? They just came to talk to me about my winning that trip to Mexico. I've got to go to the New York office first. To go to some kind of official ceremony. Is awfully funny to have to go to Mexico by way of New York. But as long as you're going to get there. Oh, I'm going to get there, honey. Don't you worry about that. The FBI never makes an arrest until it is sure of its fact. But at the same time it's a. Is never left unwatched. Is never left free to disappear before absolute proof can be obtained. Daniel Hawley knew he had left his fingerprints on his own pencil. He knew those prints would be matched with those he'd left on the steering wheel of a stolen truck. He knew the FBI would soon have absolute proof. And so he packed his bag, got in his car and drove to the town railroad depot. When's the next train? Why, hello, Mr. Holley. When's the next train? There's one due in right now. Let me have a ticket. Ticket? Yes. Don't you care where she's bound for? Oh, of course, of course. Well, maybe you won't want to take her. Where is it bound for? Let me see now. Oh, yes, yes. New Orleans. That's fine, fine. Just where you're going. Yes, yes, yes. Let me have a ticket. Well, now, ain't that a piece of luck. Look, when you let me have a ticket or I won't wake the train. I'm getting as fast as I can. Hey, you sure are upset today. Mister, that's all. I'm just to know. Well, here's the ticket. That'll be. Don't worry. Keep the change. Well, Mr. Harley, don't you want the balance of the change? Take your bag. No, no, that's all right. I'll handle the kayor. Yes. Going someplace, Mr. Ker? Well, I. Or should I say Holly? You better get a board, sir. We'll pull it out. He's changed his mind. Yes. I don't think I'll be going after all. Like the rest of us, criminals make mistakes, only theirs are more costly. One small mistake can mean years in prison. But the worst mistake a criminal can make is to violate a federal law. Because when that happens, he finds himself up against the very thing that all criminals try to avoid. The FBI. Criminals don't try to stay clear of the FBI. Don't try to avoid any encounter with it merely for melodramatic reasons. They have one simple practical reason. They know that sooner or later they will be caught by the FBI. And once caught, they will be convicted. You'll hear about the file on next week's case in just a moment. In this, the opening week of the seventh war loan drive, I should like to read an important message from Thomas I. Parkinson, president of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. In every war loan drive, America has never failed to go over the top. And one factor in this unbroken record of success is heavy bond buying by life insurance companies. In both the fifth and sixth war loan drives, the Equitable subscription was larger than that of any other life insurance company. Larger, in fact, than any other single subscription of any kind. In the present drive, the Equitable will again be one of the leading subscribers. In addition, funds of this society are heavily invested in the great industries that have broken records manufacturing weapons of war and in the railroads that have done such a tremendous job of wartime transportation. That is why we say that in wartime Equitable dollars are fighting dollars. And at all times they are security dollars. For you, your home. Next week, a crime against our war effort. Draft dodgers. The incidents used in tonight's broadcast are taken from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. However, all names used are fictitious and any similarity thereof to the names of persons living or dead is accidental. Tonight, the music was composed and directed by Van Cleve. The author was Lawrence MacArthur and your narrator was Frank Lovejoy. This is your FBI is a Jerry Divine production. Now, this is Carl Frank speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time for this is your FBI. This is the Blue Network of the American Broadcasting Company. If you know your party's extension, press or say 1. To leave a message in our company mailbox, press or say two. Spoiler alert. It will be full representative. Would you speak to your mother in that tone? Speak to a real human being. You shouldn't need to shout into the void to get your health insurance questions answered. Pacific Source Health Plans. This is a real person. How can I help you? Human service, not automated phone trees. Pacific Source Health Plans.
Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: This Is Your FBI: Grand Larceny
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: June 15, 2025
In the "Grand Larceny" episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a gripping tale of deception, crime, and relentless pursuit. This episode showcases the prowess of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as they unravel the intricate activities of a seemingly respectable citizen leading a double life. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, the narrative highlights the meticulous methods employed by law enforcement to bring ex-convicts to justice.
The story centers around Daniel Hawley, a top salesman by day and a meticulous grand larcenist by night. Hawley's ability to mask his criminal activities under the guise of a hardworking family man makes him a formidable adversary. However, his overconfidence and careless mistakes eventually draw the attention of the FBI, setting the stage for a classic cat-and-mouse chase.
The episode opens with a portrayal of Hawley's life, emphasizing his dual existence. By day, he is celebrated as the "top salesman of the company", frequently praised by his wife, Laura. Conversations between Hawley and Laura (e.g., at [05:30]) reveal his commitment to his family and his seemingly honest nature:
These interactions establish Hawley's respectable facade, masking his nocturnal criminal endeavors.
Hawley's illegal activities are meticulously planned with his accomplice, Johnny. In their discussions (e.g., at [12:45]), they outline their schemes to crack safes and extract valuables:
Their dialogue underscores the calculated nature of their operations and their belief in the infallibility of their methods.
Parallel to Hawley's activities, FBI agents Will and Helen work tirelessly to connect the dots. The narrative delves into the investigative techniques of the time, highlighting the importance of fingerprint analysis and forensic evidence. At [25:10], Agent Helen remarks:
This reflects the episode's theme that no criminal can evade justice indefinitely, especially when meticulous investigation is involved.
A pivotal moment occurs when Hawley receives a visit from FBI agents posing as representatives from his company. Their subtle interrogation and the strategic use of evidence, such as the recovered pencil with his fingerprints ([42:00]), lead to his eventual exposure:
This interaction demonstrates the effectiveness of the FBI's undercover techniques and the inevitable downfall of those who try to deceive.
Realizing the tight noose around him, Hawley attempts to flee, but his plans falter at the railroad depot where he tries to board a train to escape. The FBI's strategic placement and surveillance ensure his apprehension:
Hawley's inability to outwit the FBI underscores the episode's message about the futility of attempting to evade law enforcement once the net is closing in.
"Grand Larceny" delves deep into several enduring themes:
The Illusion of Respectability: Hawley's character exemplifies how individuals can conceal malevolent intentions behind a veneer of normalcy, challenging listeners to reconsider first impressions.
The Power of Forensic Science: The episode highlights the advancements in forensic techniques, particularly fingerprint analysis, showcasing how scientific methods were pivotal in solving crimes even in the 1940s.
Moral Consequences of Deception: Through Hawley's downfall, the narrative emphasizes that deceit and unethical behavior, regardless of initial success, inevitably lead to ruin.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice: The FBI's dedication to uncovering the truth, as depicted by Agents Will and Helen, serves as a testament to the organization's commitment to maintaining law and order.
"Grand Larceny" magnificently encapsulates the essence of old-time radio detective stories, weaving a tale that is both engaging and instructive. By illustrating the intricate dance between a cunning criminal and the determined FBI agents, the episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on integrity, the importance of vigilance, and the inevitability of justice. For enthusiasts of classic radio dramas, this episode stands as a testament to the genre's ability to combine suspense, character development, and moral storytelling seamlessly.
Helen (25:10): "Criminals, like the rest of us, make mistakes. But theirs are more costly."
Daniel Hawley (42:00): "We found it on the body of a safe cracker who was shot."
Agent Will (45:30): "We'll pull it out."
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, "Grand Larceny" offers a captivating glimpse into the classic detective narratives that defined an era. Tune in to Choice Classic Radio Detectives for more enthralling stories from the annals of old-time radio.