Green’s Dictionary of Slang

cranker n.3

[? rhy. sl. link to tank n.2 (3); or one who uses some form of SE crank to open the safe]

(Aus. prison) a safe-breaker.

[Aus]Tupper & Wortley Aus. Prison Sl. Gloss. 🌐 Cranker. 1. Safe breaker.