Prince Rupert RCMP are turning to the community in hopes of locating a carved First Nations mask that was stolen earlier this month.
At approximately 8:40 p.m. on Jan. 6, the Prince Rupert RCMP detachment received a complaint regarding a stolen piece of property from the BC Ferries Northern Expedition vessel.
When RCMP arrived at Prince Rupert's BC Ferries terminal they were advised that a carved mask had been taken from the ferry. The traditional piece of First Nations art had been swiped from a display case in an area of the ship that was closed to passengers for several days before the incident occurred.
On Jan. 22, Prince Rupert RCMP issued a release publicizing the theft, asking anyone with information on the incident to contact police.
“At this stage of the investigation we are looking to the community of Prince Rupert and surrounding areas to assist in generating any additional leads. This is a unique piece of traditional artwork and we are asking anyone who sees this mask to contact police,” said Const. Matt Ericson, spokesperson of the Prince Rupert RCMP.
The investigation into the theft is ongoing, with RCMP asking anyone with information to call the detachment at 250-627-0700 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).