"He could crack the Bank of England like a tin of sardines, but only his loyalty to the Crown keeps him from doing it."
- Newkirk on Alfie the Artist
Alfred Burke, nickname Alfie the Artist, is a fictional character who appeared in the Hogan's Heroes episode, The Safecracker Suite. Alf was played by Walter Burke.
Alf is an expert safecracker, having been practicing for 40 years "with time off for bad behavior," according to Newkirk. He is the person who has taught Newkirk about safe-cracking, though Newkirk admits that he's not nearly as good as Alf. He is currently doing time in prison when he is needed help crack a safe, but he is released for the job. Accoding to Newkirk, he could crack the Bank of England if he had wanted to, but only his loyalty to the crown has kept him from doing it. Alf likes a good cup of tea, and may have been at his job of safe-cracking a little too long. Upon coming out of the tunnel and into the barracks, he tells Colonel Hogan that they have an ingenious tunnel system, and mentions what a pity it is that it doesn't lead into a bank.