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$250,000 in Gold Stolen from Oregon Museum
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AAAMuseum exterior, Wikimedia Commons
"It's probably the best collection of gold in the Pacific Northwest," said museum curator Rudy Tschernich to the News-Times. The museum is a popular stop for school field trips and those interested in geology.
The News-Times also reported, "Police said a burglary alarm went off that night, but dispatchers were told to disregard the call by the alarm company after it was reported as a false alarm." Curators realized the burglary was real when they arrived at the museum and found the gold missing.
Tschernich said he is going to alert gold and mineral dealers about the theft. Since the gold is filigree, or resembles twisted threads much like a bird's nest, the dealers may be able to spot the pieces.
"The filigree is like thin wires and crystals all grown together just like if you'd soldered the gold filigree," Tschernich told the News-Times. "So it's far more valuable than gold bullion."
Tschernich is worried that thieves might hammer the gold into another shape to make the pieces look like bulk material instead of rare minerals. Most of the stolen gold came from the Ace of Diamonds mine in Liberty, Washington around 50 years ago.
"You make coins out of it and jewelry out of it and coat electronic parts," Tschernick said to the News-Times. "Unfortunately now, it's gone."
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals features the collection of Richard and Helen Rice. The pair started collecting rock minerals in the 1930s. In 1952, the couple built the house that now houses the collection. The museum was founded in 1997.
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YAY!!! They caught the guy who was the great grandson of the Rice Museums main collectors. His name is Jeff Harvey and he kinda stole it....all. Harvey was trying to sell the gold to Cash4Gold.com and that made me laugh. I'm glad they caught the guy. My class went on a feild trip there and we were one of the last groups to see it. I am glad they found most, maybe all, of the gold. It was really a great sight to see.
May 22 2010 at 1:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyGood lord....no security cameras and a false alarm reported by the alarm company...lolol. The $250,000 worth of gold has been on somebody's mind for a long time. Museum's have been losing stuff for decades while making money and saving from paying taxes. So, what's new? NOTHING Excuse me, but I'm shocked it's not owned by one of the big banks or a Democrat or our government...lolol
April 21 2010 at 7:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt is too bad that our country is full of scum that would steal anything that is not tied down and many things that are. If they catch these scum, some liberal judge in Oregon will probably give them a slap on the wrist. People who steal or defame historic relics should get double the time that the usual scumbag thieves get.
April 21 2010 at 5:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou said it right River Rat. Take a look at what happens to thieves in Saudi Arabia. They cut off a finger and then your hand shows everyone who is a thief. They have to live with that--marked for life. I'd certainly would think twice about stealing. But this country protects the criminals and the innocent ones pay. Liberal thinking or civil liberties union, two groups we can all live better without.
April 21 2010 at 7:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySo I should get a propane torch and melt the gold (it has a low melting temperature), then sell it as placer flakes and bullion? Gee, thanks for the info. I'll send you a postcard from Bali.
April 21 2010 at 5:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply$25,000 worth of gold inside a little house turned into a museum? Located about 2 miles away from nothing in all directions? The alarm was reported as "a false alarm?" Sounds like an inside job to me. Book 'em Danno!
April 21 2010 at 5:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyShame. Maybe we should check with the alarm company that may have done this crime. Who knows? Other than that, what a f up!
April 21 2010 at 3:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDuh, the thieves know how to unload stuff. They didnt give them any more info than they already know. Again, trying to make people feel stupid to make you feel better about yourselves. Sheesh!
April 21 2010 at 3:14 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou better have a talking to that alarm company and the police and... i agree with Anna you just told them how to unload the gold
April 21 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDuh.. nice going, you just told the robbers how to unload it and what to use it for..
April 21 2010 at 2:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou think they don`t already know to melt it down ? DUH !!!
April 21 2010 at 5:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot 5 Deals
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