To Whom It May Concern
Apparently earlier this week the Big Springs Historical Society in
Caledonia was "hit" by a thief again. I don't have a description of all that was
taken and photos of the items. Some of that will be available later today I
think. But I thought it best to get out information on the way the theft was
conducted as soon as possible as the thief may still be working some of the
museums in the area.
A single white male came into the museum, where there was only a
single docent working. He had a story of a lost dog and a flyer to match the
loss. While he was there he asked if he could look around. The museum is two
floors. While he was on the second floor, alone, he cut the lock off one or more
of the cases and took several items. The only item I know of...so far...was a
Nazi helmet and a Civil War era surgeon's kit. We may have more details and
perhaps photos to send around later.
Be aware if you are connected to a small museum that this is going
on. From what I am told it is not wise to try to stop the person yourself.
However, be a good witness. Is someone like this comes in, while they are
touring call you local police agency. Try to remember a good description of the
individual that will help police, glasses, beard/clean shaven, perhaps a tattoo,
the color and logos that might be on their clothing...and best of all a car
license number.
I will send out more descriptive wise as soon as it comes my
way.
Ok, here is the statement from the museum.
On Sunday afternoon this past weekend, the Big
Springs Museum in Caledonia (20 miles southwest of Rochester) was the victim of
a theft which was discovered last night. The museum was robbed while
staffed, of several military objects including a Civil War Era surgical Kit
(Wade and Ford Set C 1861), a Nazi helmet, several WWII era medals, and two
Hitler Youth knives. We are trying to locate photographs to
share.
The perpetrator distracted our docent. The objects were in
locked cases, and the locks were cut.
Please be on the alert for this
type of event in your museum.
Thank you.
Jean Guthrie, Big Springs
Museum
Les Buell
315-589-9776