POLICE say that the theft of an oil painting from a property in Onchan is “something of a mystery.”
The large canvas was stolen when the owner of the property was off the Island, but police say that there were several much more valuable items in the house which the thieves left behind.
The painting is an original by the artist Gary Benfield entitled ‘Escapade’ and measures 46 inches x 33 inches and depicts a woman running with horses.
A police spokesman said, “It’s something of a mystery because there were many more items worth much more which weren’t taken. Also, the painting is quite large - almost four feet wide - so it wouldn’t have been easy to hide.”
It is known that the painting - worth an estimated £1,500 - was stolen between September 1 and September 5.
Police have appealed for information from the public to find the painting. The contact is Constable Nigel Colquitt at Onchan Police Station on 675190 or via the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.
