HYANNISPORT, MA.-In Barnstable police are asking for the public’s help in finding hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of art work stolen from a Hyannisport home reported the Associated Press.
Investigators believe the paintings, most of which depict sailing ships and seascapes, were removed from the residence on April 28 or 29. A World War I prisoner-of-war flag and a valuable carved wooden head were also stolen, police said. Investigators said the homeowner’s insurance company has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved, combined with the recovery of the stolen items Barnstable Police Detective Nancy Blanchard is appealing to the public and the art community to keep their eyes open at auction houses, galleries and antique stores, said the Associated Press.
A caretaker reported the thefts on April 30. According to investigators, the homeowner was not at the residence during the time the objects were believed stolen. Police said there had been some workers at the home prior to the thefts.
Some of the stolen paintings are contemporary works, while at least one dates to the 18th century, police said. Artists include Sam Barber, Fred Wagner and Antonio Jacobson. five thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece. Many of the paintings are large, with some as large as 5 feet by 6 feet. Investigators said the art theft was one of the largest in recent memory. Area art businesses have been alerted about the thefts. Yesterday, investigators asked anyone with information about the stolen objects to contact the Barnstable Police Department at 508-778-3820 or 508-775-0387.