A Brea community is starting a neighborhood watch program after thieves have been stealing cherished art sculptures that are places all across the city
Investigators believe 17 of the unique art pieces have been stolen over the decades with four of them being taken this year alone from the western part of the city.
Experts said nearly 200 sculptures that are placed in many parts of the city are authentic and original.
“These are not go-get-it-at-the-store art. This is authentic, original art,” said Linda Shay, Brea Museum’s executive director and curator.
“Tears Beyond Reach” (left), “Porpoise at Play” (center) and “Vicky” have been stolen in recent years.
Among the stolen sculptures are “Vicky” which used to be on Whittier Avenue at Puente Street, “Tears Beyond Reach,” which used to stand on Columbia Street, “Porpoise at Play,” a sculpture that depicted dolphins on North Palm Street as well as “Brea, North of Yesterday,” which showed four deer appearing to jumping around together.
“My kids have all their photos in front of the deer,” Shay said. “This is our community. This is our home, and someone came and violated what we hold very beautiful and dear.”
As the sculptures are made of bronze, they are very heavy to steal. Yet they may be attractive to criminals as the art pieces could be cut into pieces and sold to scrap yards.
“We had one stolen several years ago. It was worth over $200,000. It got $145 in scrap,” Shay said.
Brea police said they have made two arrests, including the people who allegedly cut up one of the statues.
Shay said the planned neighborhood watch program will particularly look out for art thieves.
“We’re engaging the entire community to see something, say something,” Shay explained. “We’re not asking people to apprehend anyone – the more eyes the better.”