A photo taken inside the Shell Lake museum. (Village of Shell Lake)

By paNOW Staff

Crime

Century old antiques stolen from Shell Lake museum

Feb 19, 2021 | 11:18 AM

The Spiritwood RCMP are investigating after a number of break and enters at the Shell Lake museum, that have resulted in the loss of antiques that are over 100 years old.

There were three seperate incidents between Jan. 10 and Feb. 19, and the stolen items include a First World War sword and sheath, as well as an antique double barrel shotgun, antique cameras, tobacco pipes, antique spoons, musical instruments, a mantel clock and a strip film projector. Shell Lake Mayor Anita Weiers told paNOW the thefts represent a big loss to the community – both from an obvious monetary standpoint and also because the items were donated.

“The people that donated the things are going to be heartbroken. I don’t even want to tell them,” she said.

Noting the similar styles of the crimes, Weiers said she believes it’s the same crew of individuals responsible. She explained though when the suspects came the first time, they were very careful and even thought to turn off the lights afterward and put things back into place.

“The last two times they’ve been getting more brazen. Last night they wrote on the wall with black spray paint and did more damage than stealing,” Weiers said.

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The Shell Lake Museum, a municipal heritage building, is housed in a third-class CNR station built in 1930, and features memorabilia from 1900 – 1950. Weiers said there was a deadbolt on the museum’s door and there was plywood covering the windows, but no security system or cameras.

“In 40 years we’ve never even had an attempted break-in so I guess you know we kinda got complacent,” she said.

Weiers also noted after the most recent incident, an old gramma phone was left by the entrance. Anyone with information about the break-ins is encouraged to call RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell