U-Maine Police Offer $500 Reward for Info About Stolen $8K Bear

Police at the University of Maine in Orono are offering a $500 reward after an $8,000 copper bear statue was stolen from the campus.

Where Did the Vandalism Take Place?

There are actually two acts of vandalism being investigated by University of Maine Police on the Orono campus, both of which happened in November at the Buchanan Alumni House, right on College Avenue. Police have images of the suspects and are hoping someone will recognize them and come forward with information. A $500 reward is offered in each case for credible information that leads to the positive identification of the suspects.

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What Happened?

The first incident happened on November 20th, 2022 at around 12:13 in the morning. According to the University Police, four men were captured on video allegedly destroying a sign that sits in front of the Alumni House. The sign was valued at $4,000. Images of the four suspects show that three of them were wearing hats, while one or two had glasses. Police hope someone will recognize their faces or the clothes that they're wearing.

In the second incident, a copper bear statue was taken from the same property. The statue of a bear leaning forward while standing on a rock is valued at $8,000.

Who Do We Contact If We Recognize One or More of the Suspects?

Anyone with information about the people involved is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Noel Santiago at the University of Maine Police Department, 207-581-4040. Tips can also be emailed to um.policedepartment@maine.edu.