By Stephanie Froese

Bronze thefts on rise

Jul 13, 2011 | 6:27 AM

Last month a historical brass plaque was stolen from the Octagonal Building at the Prince Albert Exhibition grounds.

Over the past few weeks there have been several similar reports.

Solid brass plaques have been taken from historic sites around the city, said Sgt. Jason Stonechild with the Prince Albert Police Service.

As well as the plaque at the exhibition grounds, the Legion Hall, and inside the main lobby at Carment Court apartments are now missing plaques. Brass handles were also taken from the Prince Albert’s CP rail house.

Stonechild said the plaques each weigh about 50 pounds and were cut out with a portable chop saw.
He said this type of crime is not a random act.

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“There is some street value to brass. It’s classified as a yellow brass, all the items that were stolen. “
Stonechild said there are a couple of possibilities when it comes why these brass, historical items have been the target of thievery.

“If there is a collector of this type of thing then as is it would have some sort of value. However it’s probably easier to be moved if it was melted down,” Stonechild said.

“But a 50 pound plaque would not be worth, not be worth thousands of dollars. It would be very little pay for the amount of effort put into it.”

Stonechild said anyone with a large brass landmark should watch for suspicious activity.

“If you see anybody carrying a large object around at three in the morning call us obviously, or if you’re aware of or have heard any rumors through friends or have any sort of insight that we don’t. “

Stonechild said anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers that could lead to a reward.

Besides charges under the criminal code that deal with historical landmarks, the person or persons responsible for these crimes could face charges of Theft Under $5,000, Stonechild said, which would include a charge of willful damage if the landmark itself was harmed.

See related: Prince Albert historical site has plaque stolen

sfroese@panow.com