Kicker: Call the safecracker

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: There’s always one, you know, that guy out there who’ll give anything a try.

Good thing, too! Because a bookstore in Baltimore during renovations uncovered a big old 1920’s era safe that couldn’t be opened. Didn’t know the combination.

They put the word out on social media that they’d split the contents 50/50 with whoever could open it.

So a Canadian truck driver whose hobby is cracking safes answered the call. It took him more than 10 hours, but Rick Ammazzini gave it his best.

Last week the store owner posted a video of that anticipated moment, opening the safe:

SOUND: [GASP]

Thud! Just a lousy paper clip and a paystub, much to Ammazzini’s disappointment. Audio here from CTV News, Winnipeg.

AMMAZZINI: The store owner was very excited because he doesn't have the letdowns that I've had, were opened up to safe and there never anything in there.

Still, not a total loss for Ammazzini as it's raised interest in his services.

MARY REICHARD, HOST: The great thing about being a locksmith is it opens up a lot of doors for people. (snort laugh)

BROWN: Aaarrrghhh! It’s The World and Everything in It.

WORLD Radio transcripts are created on a rush deadline. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of WORLD Radio programming is the audio record.