A Peninsula art gallery has upgraded security features after a prized sculpture was stolen the morning of Aug. 31. The Lynn Branson wood carving, Quiet Comfort, was stolen from Peninsula Gallery in Sidney.
The piece portrays ducklings snuggling and is carved in a rare yellow cedar burl. Branson is a world-class interpretive wood carver that lives on Vancouver Island and spent several months on the piece, according to a statement from the gallery.
“We are very sad that now this piece might not end up in the procession of an owner that will cherish it in a way that it deserves,” it reads.
A suspect was caught on video surveillance footage, which the gallery provided to the police.
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Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers released still images on Sept. 16 in a bid to help Sidney/North Saanich RCMP identify the suspect.
That release states that an individual stole two sculptures from the Beacon Avenue business on Aug. 31.
The suspect pictured is described as about 55 years old, 5’9” and 155 pounds and was wearing a blue and green camouflage hat.
Anyone with information can report information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at victoriacrimestoppers.ca.
Sidney RCMP want to identify this suspect. They stole 2 sculptures (1 pictured) from a gallery Beacon Avenue Sidney 31 August 2022. He is white male 5ft9” tall about 55 years,155lbs
— GV Crime Stoppers (@VicCrimeStop) September 16, 2022
Tell us anonymously, who he is call 1-800-222-8477 or online at https://t.co/H4nEc1sRG6
22-4501 pic.twitter.com/8unWPBE20g
