A large and unique wooden statue was stolen last month, and police are hoping the public can lend a hand in getting the pilfered bear carving back to its rightful owner.
Kelowna, B.C., RCMP say the statue was stolen on the morning of Monday, Aug. 14, from the front of a local restaurant along the 1700 block of Pier Mac Way.
“The business stated that a six-foot wooden bear statue with significant value had been stolen from the outdoor area of the restaurant despite being securely chained up,” RCMP said of the 8 a.m. theft.
According to police, video footage revealed that three male suspects stole the statue, and then drove away with it in a white pickup truck.
“The vehicle used in the incident is a white, mid-2000s Ford F150 with a black tonneau cover and matches the description of a vehicle involved with a previous attempt to steal the statue,” said RCMP.
The driver is described as having white hair and a white beard, and was seen wearing an oversized white T-shirt.
The second suspect is described as a younger man, and was seen wearing a grey baseball hat, a red shirt and jeans.
The third suspect wasn’t given a description.
“All three individuals were captured on camera loading the large statue into the back of the Ford before leaving the scene,” said police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file 2023-47879.
“This statue has stood as a guardian welcoming guests for quite some time now and has become an admired piece of this community,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera said. “The owner and staff earnestly request its safe return.”