PENHOLD – The Penhold and District Museum was recently hit with what is believed to be the first break-in and theft in its 25-year existence.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk confirmed the break-in and theft that occurred at the museum on Nov. 12.
A collection of First Nation arrowheads and some kitchen items were stolen.
“I can confirm that a break and enter was called in. Entry was gained through a doorway by prying the door jamb open,” said Matechuk. “The investigation has concluded with no suspects, no further evidence, and no additional leads have surfaced to date.”
Penhold resident Mike Dodman, who is a museum board member, saw a brown van leaving the museum parking lot when he went to drop something off there just before 5 p.m. on Nov. 12.
“At the time it did not seem suspicious,” said Dodman, noting the area is often used by people to take a break or walk their dog. “There was a brown van parked there and I didn’t really think anything of it.”
When Dodman reached the museum door he then noticed it was open and broken into.
“It’s just historic value and sentimental for the town,” he said. “It really has no monetary value."
Museum president Karen Thomson said she was very surprised at the break-in and theft.
She noted the damage to the door, which has now been replaced, and a display case with arrowheads and other First Nation artifacts were stolen, along with some kitchen items.
“(There was) nothing of great note but they were still useful. People enjoyed seeing them and learning about them,” said Thomson, noting the artifacts were donated by people living in the Central Alberta region.
She also noted the historical value and meaning the items had for the town and the area.
“I think that’s why I was so surprised to hear that the museum had been broken into because we really don’t have anything of great monetary value in the museum,” said Thomson. “It’s more of a historical value.”
“I would be surprised if we were able to locate them,” she added.
In the wake of the recent break-in and theft, the board discussed increasing security measures or adding additional security features around the museum, noted Thomson.
“We are a completely volunteer run organization so whatever we can do as volunteers to increase security within our means, we are definitely going to do that,” Thomson concluded.