In 1925, in an early morning burglary of Forman Brothers store in Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, more than $1000 of merchandise was taken, but the cash register was not disturbed. Included in the theft were a dozen-and-a-half pairs of men’s underwear, described as “Poros-Knit” and “B. V. D.’s.”
Harry Forman, the proprietor, offered a reward.
The theft was described on the front page of the Lykens Standard, May 1, 1925:
FORMAN BROTHERS LYKENS STORE ROBBED
Robbers Tuesday morning entered the store of Forman Brothers at this place, taking merchandise to the amount of more than $1000, and left the cash register untouched.
Daring the night light which was burning in the store, the thieves cut a hole thru the rear door large enough to reach thru and turned the latch inside. Gaining admission they ransacked the store taking large quantities of men’s and ladies wearing apparel.
According to Mr. Harry Forman, proprietor of the Lykens store the robbery took place between 12 and 5 P. M. (sic]. When he entered the store in the morning he found boxes scattered about, hangers thrown on piles and shelves and showcases disarranged. Investigation at once revealed that a robbery was committed.
Mr. Forman notified the State Police who were here that day and made investigations. To this time no arrests have been made altho several parties are under suspicion and the affair has appearance of being done locally.
Among the articles taken were 7 men’s suits; two dozen men’s hats; three dozen overalls; two and one half dozen suits B. V. Ds, one dozen Poros-Knit underwear, two dozen men’s silk shirts, 15 1/2 size; three dozen or more ties, two dozen ladies’ rings, one dozen men’s rings; one dozen men’s watch chains; thirteen ladies dresses and eight pairs Bostonian oxfords.
A reward of $100 is offered by Mr. Forman of any person who will make known the whereabouts of the stolen goods or give information leading to the arrest and conviction of the guilty parties.