Actor takes on crooks attempting to break into community centre

ACTORS rehearsing for a play at a community centre on the Central Coast had an unexpected twist in the plot this week when thieves allegedly broke in. One actor bellowed at the would be thieves who fled.

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AMATEUR actors  rehearsing for a play at Elanora Heights Community Centre had an unexpected twist in the plot on Tuesday night when thieves allegedly broke in.

Robert Longley said about 10.20pm he and 10 others were rehearsing when they heard a noise out the front.

When Mr Longley went to investigate he saw a person standing there.

According to Mr Longley, the man was eerily dressed with a piece of white material covering half his face and a black hooded jacket over the top.

“It was certainly startling,” he said.

Mr Longley said without a moment’s thought he started yelling and screaming at the man, who fled.

Moments later Mr Longley saw more movement out of the corner of his eye in the attached kindergarten’s office.

“I just noticed a little bit of movement and thought there was still someone inside,” he said. “The office door was shut and the person was crouching down near the safe.”

Mr Longley said he started yelling at the second person who then leapt out of the window and ran away.

Elanora Heights Community Preschool office manager Isobel Gowenlock, said she was grateful Robert was there.

“What an absolute hero,” she said. “They were after money in the safe.”

Police were called and a crowbar which had allegedly been used to break the lock on the door was found at the scene.

The group will perform the play Table Manners from April 15-23.