Hand-painted Charlie Brown gang stolen from festive display in Oak Bay Park
With less than a month to go until Christmas, the Grinch (or a number of Grinches) have stolen Charlie Brown and some of his friends from Oak Bay Park.
The theft of Charlie Brown, his sister, Sally, and his dog, Snoopy, from the park at the corner of Foul Bay Road and Oak Bay Avenue was noticed sometime Monday afternoon.
The Mayor of Oak Bay says he recalls that the handmade figures have been part of the municipality's festive light display at the entrance to the community for the past 15 years.
The display also included two of Charlie Brown’s friends and his lonely little Christmas tree made famous in the 1960’s Christmas Special.
"They have been there for a very long time," sad Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch. "My understanding is they were donated to the municipality by a local resident that made them and painted them."
Murdoch says the theft of the Peanuts characters is unusual and he hopes someone took them for a joyride to the beach and will bring them back.
"The material value is literally peanuts but they’re certainly a very familiar and welcome sight in Oak Bay every Christmas," said Murdoch. "If the thieves have a change of heart in the spirit of Christmas and they can return them, or let us know and we’ll pick them up."
Murdoch confirmed that the Oak Bay Police are aware of the theft of the holiday decorations and are investigating.
"I would ask that anybody who spots Charlie Brown, Sally or Snoopy out and about please call us," said Murdoch. "Call the Oak Bay Police or (Oak Bay) Public Works because we would like to have them back."
If you see the missing members of the Peanuts gang, call the Oak Bay Police Department's non-emergency line at 250-592-2424.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.