9/25/2023 0 Comments Saltpeter in jailOne of the most notorious safe-blowers in the UK was the late Johnny Ramensky. In French, péter means to crack or explode, another possible link to safecracking. The main ingredient in gunpowder is Potassium Nitrate, also known as saltpetre and some lexicographers believe that this is the origin of the word. Another popular belief about the term is linked to gunpowder. A jail that has housed many different safe-breakers in its time. Peterman is believed to be a word of Scottish origin and may stem from Peterhead prison in Aberdeenshire. The spike in these crimes, shortly after two world wars, was linked to the return of soldiers who were experienced with explosives and in search of an income. The peak of these crimes was between the late 1940s and the 60s. In the 20th Century there was a spate of safe-blowing crimes, with gunpowder being the most common tool of choice for the hardened criminals. Peterman is a person who can gain entry to a safe without the key or combination, a skill that was historically associated with criminals. We thought it would be interesting to take a look at the history and etymology behind this archaic term and share the story of Scotland’s most notorious Peterman: John Ramensky. ‘Peterman’ is an old synonym for safecracker. Safecracking is a profession that has a much better reputation now than it did in the past when it was often associated with criminal activity and bank heists.
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