[CPProt.net] Someone pulled a whale's tooth from a historic museum in Wayne County

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Missing Tooth - A Whale Tale

 July 21, 2005


Chalonda Roberts (Palmyra, NY) 07/20/05 - Someone pulled a tooth from a
historic museum in Wayne County. Investigators believe two men stole a
whale's tooth valued at $1,700 and then went on to rip off an antique store.
The alleged suspects were caught on tape. 

The small village of Palmyra has a hand full of antique shops and museums
filled with thousands of relics. The historic Palmyra Museum now has one
less item: a tooth is missing that belonged to Captain Ira Lakey. 

Lakey was given a whale's tooth as a memento when he retired. It dates back
to the 1800s and was on display in the museum until several weeks ago. 

Investigators said the theft was quick and dirty. The curator said there
were only two men in the museum when the tooth was in its case, and when
they left the tooth was gone. 

Police believe the same men who took the tooth ripped off the Brick House
Antique Store a half block away. 

When the curator of the museum noticed the whale's tooth was missing, she
called the antique store asking the owners if they saw anyone who looked
suspicious. 

The Brick House's Bob Surline said, "My daughter was kind of leery about
them; they seem a little suspicious." 

Tthe curator identified them on tape from surveillance cameras. The video
also caught the alleged thieves ripping off the antique store. 

One man was as seen putting something in his pocket. His counterpart turned
in front of the camera, holding a Wedgewood ashtray.  The owner believes the
man swiped it. 

Surline said, "We're watching e-Bay to see if they wanted fast money.
...unless he's a collector of whale's teeth...I have no idea." 

Meanwhile if anyone has seen the two men in the video, tell them that in
addition to the tooth fairy, the Palmyra police are looking for them. Then
please call the Palmyra police.