Fake phone call fooled UBC security in museum heist, police sources say
An experienced jewelry thief may have hoodwinked the University of British Columbia's campus security by telling them to ignore security alarms on the night of last month's multi-million dollar heist at the Museum of Anthropology, CBC News has learned.
The prime suspect and possible mastermind of one of the biggest art heists in Canadian history is a Vancouver thief who specializes in hitting high-end jewelry stores by neutralizing their sophisticated security systems, police sources have told the CBC.
The suspect was out of jail the night the museum break-in occurred on the UBC campus near Vancouver, and the techniques used in that heist fit his normal operating procedure, the sources said.
Four hours before the break-in on May 23, two or three key surveillance cameras at the Museum of Anthropology mysteriously went off-line.
Around the same time, a caller claiming to be from the alarm company phoned campus security, telling them there was a problem with the system and to ignore any alarms that might go off.
Campus security fell for the ruse and ignored an automated computer alert sent to them, police sources told CBC News.
Meanwhile surveillance cameras that were still operating captured poor pictures of what was going on inside the museum because of a policy to turn the lights off at night.
Then, as the lone guard working overnight in the museum that night left for a smoke break, the thief or thieves broke in, wearing gas masks and spraying bear spray to slow down anyone who might stumble across them.
Twelve gold artworks worth $2 million by the Haida artist Bill Reid, plus three gold-plated Mexican Zapotec necklaces, vanished that night and have not been seen since.
Publicly, RCMP investigators are saying little, other than confirming they believe it is likely the thief or thieves and stolen pieces are still in the Vancouver area.
Investigators say they believe the items are too hot to move or melt down, and sources told the CBC the investigation is focusing on some Vancouver goldsmiths known to have handled stolen jewelry in the past.
Meanwhile, the RCMP are also hoping an anonymous tipster who left some tantalizing information will call them back again.
In addition, police have said the museum's insurance company has boosted the current $50,000 reward substantially but will not say by how much.
The raw value of the gold in the jewelry is estimated to be only $15,000.
The prime suspect and possible mastermind of one of the biggest art heists in Canadian history is a Vancouver thief who specializes in hitting high-end jewelry stores by neutralizing their sophisticated security systems, police sources have told the CBC.
The suspect was out of jail the night the museum break-in occurred on the UBC campus near Vancouver, and the techniques used in that heist fit his normal operating procedure, the sources said.
Four hours before the break-in on May 23, two or three key surveillance cameras at the Museum of Anthropology mysteriously went off-line.
Around the same time, a caller claiming to be from the alarm company phoned campus security, telling them there was a problem with the system and to ignore any alarms that might go off.
Campus security fell for the ruse and ignored an automated computer alert sent to them, police sources told CBC News.
Meanwhile surveillance cameras that were still operating captured poor pictures of what was going on inside the museum because of a policy to turn the lights off at night.
Then, as the lone guard working overnight in the museum that night left for a smoke break, the thief or thieves broke in, wearing gas masks and spraying bear spray to slow down anyone who might stumble across them.
Twelve gold artworks worth $2 million by the Haida artist Bill Reid, plus three gold-plated Mexican Zapotec necklaces, vanished that night and have not been seen since.
Publicly, RCMP investigators are saying little, other than confirming they believe it is likely the thief or thieves and stolen pieces are still in the Vancouver area.
Investigators say they believe the items are too hot to move or melt down, and sources told the CBC the investigation is focusing on some Vancouver goldsmiths known to have handled stolen jewelry in the past.
Meanwhile, the RCMP are also hoping an anonymous tipster who left some tantalizing information will call them back again.
In addition, police have said the museum's insurance company has boosted the current $50,000 reward substantially but will not say by how much.
The raw value of the gold in the jewelry is estimated to be only $15,000.
Art Hostage comments:
Gerald, listen, the heat is on and I am sure you did not think the Bill Reid theft would be as high profile, provoking such global outrage.
You may be thinking you will keep the Bill Reid icons as a bargaining counter for the time when you are facing serious criminal charges.
Well, that may not be the best idea.
You do however, have some leverage and could benefit from some kind of deal via your lawyer.
Art Hostage has recommended Michael Morse or Dennis Morris out of Toronto as they have experience in handing back stolen iconic artworks.
That is something you should discuss with your own lawyer.
O'h by the way, your friend in France is growing impatient and now may be a good time to consider a visit ??
The Canadian Underworld are not very happy as the RCMP will be applying pressure and disrupting the Canadian Underworld's everyday business as a result of the Bill Reid theft.
Gerald, before you upset too many Underworld figures, consider this, the Bill Reid thing may have backfired on you, not at this moment but in the future.
There will be a time when you look back Gerald, and wish you could have played the Bill Reid Heist better, post-theft.
Well, here is your chance, get the Bill Reid icons to your lawyer and then make a deal that may include favours for certain Canadian Underworld Godfathers who could be in jail and could benefit from better conditions. This will give you Kudos and also it will be a better bargaining counter for the future.
*********** would gladly give you $1 million if you could get him better conditions in jail, that way you get paid Gerald, the Bill Reid Icons are returned, and no-one gets arrested.
Trust me Gerald, these Bill Reid Icons are cursed and they will bring nothing but bad luck, bad Omens and trouble, not least by the pursuit of the RCMP, who will disrupt many Canadian Underworld operations, thereby angering the Canadian Underworld who will be less than happy with you.
At the moment Gerald you have pissed off the RCMP, Canadian people, and art lovers around the world, by keeping the Bill Reid Icons you will Piss off the Canadian Underworld big time.
Forget all the mainstream media stuff, this is for real, Gerald, get the Bill Reid Icons to your Lawyer and start the deal making process.
Finally, Gerald, if I am blogging a story in about a years time regarding you being indicted for the Bill Reid theft, then you will have no-one else to blame but yourself.
There is a window of opportunity take it before it closes.
Worth thinking about !!!!!!
Old Carl Bales, Lynette Tien, Lance Ulmer, Angela James, Dale Fedoruk, Aaron Syberg, and Balume Kashongwe............need I go on ??
Update,
Art Hostage has learnt that French Police have recovered the paintings stolen in the South of France last year, couple of Monet's a Sisley and a Brueghel.
They have arrested the ******* guys from around Nice and Marseille, strike now Gerald, make a deal, before it's too late !!!!!!
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