More than six weeks after the fact, police are hoping the public may have some key information regarding a six-foot-tall wooden bear statue that was stolen from outside a Kelowna restaurant.
The RCMP says the wood carving, which has “significant value” was securely chained up outside Grizzly Bear Bistro & Bar on Pier Mac Way, across Hwy 97 from Kelowna International Airport.
However, that did not stop three men from loading it into a pickup truck around 10:45 pm on Sunday, Aug. 13 and escaping with the prized possession.
According to police, they were driving a white mid-2000s Ford F150 with a black tonneau cover, which matches the description of a vehicle involved in a previous attempt to steal the statue.
“All three individuals were captured on camera loading the large statue into the back of the Ford before leaving the scene,” explained an RCMP release.
The driver is described as having white hair and a white beard, and was wearing an oversized white t-shirt.
Another suspect is described as a younger male wearing a grey baseball hat, red shirt and jeans.
Unfortunately, police don’t have a description available for the third suspect.
“This statue has stood as a guardian welcoming guests for quite some time now and has become an admired piece of this community,” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera. “The owner and staff earnestly request its safe return.”
Anyone with information regarding the stolen statue is urged to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
You can also report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.
