Durham police are asking for the public’s help after pieces of a public art installation in Whitby were sawed off and stolen.
Police said town staff reported on Tuesday that a wood carving across from the historic Centennial Building and Courthouse Theatre at 409 Centre St. S. had been damaged.
Two wood-carved bees that were part of the sculpture were removed and stolen, police said.
In a news release, police included photos of the sculpture before and after the incident, showing that the two wood-carved bees were gone.
The sculpture, called The Hive, was installed last year to recognize Whitby’s designation as an official Bee City, Mayor Elizabeth Roy said in herJune 2024 newsletter.
The town commissioned tree carver Ryan Locke to transform a 100-year-old black walnut tree into a public art installation that features a honeycomb with bees.
Police are asking anyone with information about the theft to contact the investigator at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1811 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
