As reported earlier, 12 pieces of art by Canadian artist Bill Reid had been stolen from the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. The value was estimated at around $2 million.

On Sunday June 8th, a house in south Burnaby was raided by police in connection with the case according to RCMP Const. Annie Linteau. She did not say if all of the items had been recovered but police are still present at some locations connected with the crime.

Linteau said police hope to release more information today, so I will update this post when more information becomes available.

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Update: All I’ve been able to find so far is a quote from a museum spokesman Scott McRae. He says, “I can confirm that they (the RCMP) told us that at least some of the Bill Reid pieces stolen from the Vancouver museum have been recovered and intact”.

So it sounds like only some of the pieces were found. If anyone knows more post in the comments, and when I find more I’ll update.

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2nd Update: There are still 2 pieces missing according to the National Post and The Globe and Mail.

“After searching both residences extensively, all but two stolen Bill Reid art exhibits were recovered intact. The substantive items, including the most prized, which is the gold box with an eagle, were recovered,” said RCMP Inspector Brendan Fitzpatrick.

Police are still hopeful that the pieces were not melted down for the gold.

“While we are satisfied that we have recovered most of the stolen items, the RCMP would like to seek the public’s assistance in recovering the last two items which we have reason to believe are still in the Lower Mainland area,” Insp. FitzPatrick said. “Our investigation to date indicates those items likely went to a local buyer or stolen property broker.”

Thieves broke into the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver over the weekend and stole 12 pieces of art created by Canadian Haida artist Bill Reid, nearly all of which were made from gold. “Reid, who died in 1998, is best known for his carvings, one of which, “Spirit of Haida Gwaii”, is pictured on Canada’s $20 bill. He made the stolen bracelets, brooches and other items from the late 1950s into the 1970s.”

According to an article from reuters:

“The University of British Columbia, which oversees the museum, on Monday offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the stolen items that have been valued at about C$2 million. To dissuade the thieves from destroying the items, museum officials issued a statement on Monday saying the gold itself would only be worth about C$15,000.”

It is unfortunate that this happened and you would think there would be better security in place at museums. Apparently a very low percentage of stolen artwork is ever recovered, and it doesn’t seem to be very difficult to steal from most museums. According to RCMP Constable Annie Linteau, the museum didn’t even have video cameras as a security measure. It almost makes me want to start breaking into local galleries and museums in my area as I’m almost guaranteed to get away with it.