Saanich police release more photos of $60K-worth of stolen art

Saanich police have released more photos of Indigenous art items that were stolen from a home in early April.

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

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

“Anybody that is a collector of art would be devastated to lose these from a collection,” said Saanich Police Sgt. Steve Eassie at the time.

“So we are expecting these items may show up on social media sites such as Facebook Marketplace, they may show up at a gallery for sale,” he added. “What we’re asking is for people to be aware, and if they see those items to notify the police.”

Mark Loria, owner of the Mark Loria Gallery in Victoria, said he’s keeping an eye out for the stolen items, as are other people in the industry.

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

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

Story continues below

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

Saanich’s major crimes unit is heading the investigation. Anyone with information on the theft or the stolen items is asked to call Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or email majorcrime@saanichpolice.ca.

With files from CHEK’s Kori Sidaway

FROM 2022: Most stolen artwork returned to rightful owners after massive seizure: Saanich Police

Editorial Policies Report an Error