Friday, January 27, 2006
i swear that it was not me.....
Bata offers reward for shoes
Jan. 27, 2006. 01:00 AM
HILDA HOY
STAFF REPORTER
Police announced a $25,000 award yesterday for the safe return of stolen artifacts from the Bata Shoe Museum, swiped during open hours this past Sunday. The money is being offered by museum founder Sonja Bata, who has been "devastated" by the theft of the artifacts — worth a combined total of $216,000 — from her expansive personal collection, Toronto police Det. Leslie Dunkley told reporters at a press conference.
Museum director Emanuele Lepri called the three items "important assets" whose loss is a "great damage to the museum but also to the community."
The most valuable item in the thieves' booty, a $160,000 pair of jewel-encrusted shoes worn by a 19th-century Indian prince, was reported stolen on Sunday evening. The next day, staff discovered two additional items had been pilfered: a gold anklet, set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, valued at $45,000, and a gold, diamond and ruby toe ring, worth $11,000.
Dunkley refused to comment on security issues at the downtown museum. Security has been beefed up in the wake of the incident. Dunkley said police are pursuing several leads and that the heist is believed to be "a planned theft and delivery." The antiques have little or no street value and would likely appeal to a specialized market, police said.
This is not the first time the museum has been robbed. Five years ago, a pair of sneakers went missing and was never found, a spokesperson said.
With files from Canadian Press
Bata offers reward for shoes
Jan. 27, 2006. 01:00 AM
HILDA HOY
STAFF REPORTER
Police announced a $25,000 award yesterday for the safe return of stolen artifacts from the Bata Shoe Museum, swiped during open hours this past Sunday. The money is being offered by museum founder Sonja Bata, who has been "devastated" by the theft of the artifacts — worth a combined total of $216,000 — from her expansive personal collection, Toronto police Det. Leslie Dunkley told reporters at a press conference.
Museum director Emanuele Lepri called the three items "important assets" whose loss is a "great damage to the museum but also to the community."
The most valuable item in the thieves' booty, a $160,000 pair of jewel-encrusted shoes worn by a 19th-century Indian prince, was reported stolen on Sunday evening. The next day, staff discovered two additional items had been pilfered: a gold anklet, set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, valued at $45,000, and a gold, diamond and ruby toe ring, worth $11,000.
Dunkley refused to comment on security issues at the downtown museum. Security has been beefed up in the wake of the incident. Dunkley said police are pursuing several leads and that the heist is believed to be "a planned theft and delivery." The antiques have little or no street value and would likely appeal to a specialized market, police said.
This is not the first time the museum has been robbed. Five years ago, a pair of sneakers went missing and was never found, a spokesperson said.
With files from Canadian Press
