Saanich police release more photos of stolen art worth $60,000

Saanich police have released more photos of Indigenous artifacts stolen from a home in early April.

Police say the theft happened at a home in Gordon Head on April 2 when two suspects walked into the house which had been accidentally left unlocked.

The combined value of the stolen art is over $60,000, and on April 18, police asked everyone to be on the lookout for the stolen items.

“Anyone who collects art would be devastated to lose it from a collection,” said Saanich Police Sgt. Steve Eassie at the time.

“So we expect these items will appear on social media sites like Facebook Marketplace, or appear for sale in a gallery,” he added. “What we are asking is that people are aware of this and that they alert the police if they see these items.”

Mark Loria, owner of the Mark Loria Gallery in Victoria, said he, like others in the industry, is keeping an eye out for the stolen items.

“There are only certain places where you can sell them and get the value back, and I think everyone is on their toes,” he said on April 18.

On May 2, Saanich police released new photos of the stolen artifacts, which can be found below:

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The art includes items created by First Nations artist Calvin Moreberg, as well as an Inuit carving of a woman’s face estimated to be more than 60 years old.

Saanich’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. Anyone with information about the theft or stolen items is asked to call Saanich police at 250-475-4321 or email [email protected].

With files from Kori Sidaway of CHEK

AS OF 2022: Most stolen artworks returned to rightful owners after mass seizure: Saanich Police

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