Ex-Official Blows Whistle on Thieves
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ALBUQUERQUE — Never underestimate the power of a whistle.
Former U.S. Treasurer Francine Neff blew her whistle when confronted by two teen-agers who tried to steal her car as she left an Episcopalian church. One pointed a pistol at her head, she said.
Neff, 65, said she had only one reaction to the would-be thieves: “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going to give you my car. I need my car.”
Her whistle drew the attention of several people, who chased down two youths and held them for police. Authorities said two 15-year-olds were being held at a juvenile detention center.
Neff was U.S. treasurer from 1974-77.
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