[MSN] New Zealand. The theft of a bronze sculpture from a Havelock North gallery last Wednesday was a copycat of similar thefts from Auckland galleries.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Copycat theft blow for gallery

18.12.2006 


The theft of a bronze sculpture from a Havelock North gallery last Wednesday
was a copycat of similar thefts from Auckland galleries, owner of Wine
Country Gallery Jane Gray said. 

The artwork, "Up To Your Chin", by Sarah Courtney, had been near the door
and disappeared some time in the afternoon. She feared it had been taken for
the bronze value. 

"The same sort of thefts have happened in Auckland and have now sadly moved
south," she said. 

The piece, about 30cm high, was one of several bronze artworks in the
gallery and Mrs Gray said she was now looking to upgrade security. 

She said some galleries locked everything down securely with strong fish
wire, although she had not decided whether that was the way to go. 
  
One thing police investigating the theft had to go on was what she called
clear security camera footage. Although, in the "spirit of Christmas" no
questions would be asked if the sculpture were to reappear in the gallery. 
The work, valued at $1400, had been on display for about a month. 
 
http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/