[CPProt.net] Bronze sculpture stolen; Theft likely planned in advance

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Bronze sculpture stolen
Theft likely planned in advance

By Don Patterson
Times Reporter
Wednesday August 17, 2005

High River Times - A town landmark has been stolen from its pedestal in what
RCMP say had to have been a premeditated act.
A bronze buffalo skull by High River artist Rocky Barstad was pried off its
mountings on the corner of 3 Ave. and 1 St. S.W. across the street from
7-Eleven sometime over the July 30 - Aug. 1 long weekend. The skull had been
a downtown fixture for over 10 years and was bolted to a pedestal. 
High River RCMP Cpl. Patrick Webb said this wasn't likely to be a simple
case of vandalism. He said the theft was probably planned in advance and
committed by someone who knew something about the skull.
"It may have been someone who took a liking to it or it could have been
someone who knew the value of it," said Webb. "Being a piece of art like
that, it could be stolen on demand."
He said it would not have been an easy task to remove the skull from its
base. When installed, it was bolted to a plate, which was then cemented into
place on its pedestal. 
Webb said the skull would've had to have been pried off, which would've
caused some damage to its underside.
Webb said the skull is part of a limited edition of 15, however, only seven
were ever produced. 
The skull has an approximate replacement cost of $6,500.
In spite of the theft, Webb said the majority of people in the community
respect the numerous pieces of art found across town.
While this isn't the first time a piece of his artwork has been stolen,
Artist Rocky Barstad said it's still disappointing to have happen.
"It's horrible when everything's stolen," he said. "I hope they get it
back."
Anyone with information regarding the theft of the skull is asked to call
High River RCMP at 652-2357 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.