Seeking public assistance in art gallery break and enter

The Calgary Police Service is seeking public assistance in a break and enter at an art gallery that occurred earlier this year, in which $500,000 worth of art was taken.

On Sunday, May 20, 2018, at approximately 11:50 p.m., unknown culprits gained entry into a commercial building located at 602 11 Avenue S.W. Once inside the common area, suspects forced their way into the Gerry Thomas Gallery, by using a reciprocating saw to cut the main door open.

Once inside, offenders took approximately 30 pieces of artwork, including various sculptures and paintings. The offenders then entered the parkade of the building and forced open a storage room door open where they took an additional 30 to 40 pieces of art. The stolen art has a combined value of approximately $500,000. Offenders also stole approximately $10,000 worth of electronics and alcohol from the gallery. Photos of some of the stolen artwork are available below.

While in the building, suspects also broke into a café that was adjacent to the gallery. Once inside the café, offenders stole various property and cash. Suspects made off with approximately $10,000 worth of items in this break and enter.

It is believed that one of the suspects attended the building earlier in the day, at approximately 5 p.m., and repositioned security cameras in preparation for the break and enter.

CCTV footage and images of the unknown offenders are is available to the right. Anyone who can identify the people in the video is asked to contact police.

Police are also looking to speak with anyone who may have information about these break and enters or about the location of the artwork. Citizens who are looking to purchase art are asked to be on the lookout as well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police by calling 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously by using either of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

Case #18221212/4162