Toronto police are asking for the public’s help finding several valuable paintings that were allegedly stolen from a man’s apartment after he was taken to hospital where he later died.
Det. Const. Matt Fenwick told Global News the 79-year-old man was taken to hospital on Oct. 16 and died about a week later. He said police believe the paintings were taken on the same day the man was taken to hospital.
Fenwick said family members discovered the paintings were missing when they went to the man’s Bay Street and Bloor Street West area apartment.
He said at least nine paintings were taken from the man’s home. The missing works include pieces by William Winter, Barry Burdeny, Adrian Dingle and Manly E. McDonald and valued collectively at around $50,000.
Fenwick said the investigation is still active. Police released pictures of the paintings Wednesday and Fenwick said he wanted to raise awareness about the theft investigation with the art collectors.
“I wanted to get this out as I believe the art community is a fairly honest community and if these (paintings) starting turning up for sale, I’m anticipating I’ll get some information back,” Fenwick said.
Anyone with information is being asked to call 52 Division at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.