Burglar smashes library artwork, steals donations
Published 1:00 pm Saturday, May 8, 2004
A 16-year-old island boy was arrested Wednesday, police say.
A burglar smashed his way into the Bainbridge Library Tuesday night, then damaged a unique work of art to steal cash contributions made to the library.
Police arrested a 16-year-old male suspect Wednesday afternoon, shortly after a witness came forward and linked him to the crime, Detective Scott An-derson said. The youth remained in custody at the Kitsap juvenile facility Thursday.
Damaged in the break-in was a 6-foot-tall, papier maché giraffe just inside the library entrance.
Crafted by island artist Kathe Fraga, the figure was fashioned around a clear plastic sphere; donors put change and bills into slots in the giraffe’s neck, and watched it collect in the tummy.
“It’s very popular. Kids really enjoy putting money into it,” library manager Cindy Harrison said.
The suspect broke the sphere and stole an estimated $150 in bills; cash and glass shards were found on the suspect when he was arrested, police said.
The suspect used a large rock to smash through a custom-cut window that fronts the garden on the east side of the building. Repairs are estimated at $1,500.
No other thefts or damage to the building were reported.
Whether or not the giraffe figure can be repaired is unclear. Fraga had yet to inspect the damage when she was contacted Wednesday afternoon.
“All I can say is, it’s a sad day on Bainbridge Island when giraffes are being robbed,” she said. “Of course I’m going to look at it, and I hope I can fix it.”
