[CPProt.net] The theft of a Paul Dibble bronze sculpture in Waikanae last week has got city sculpture owners worried their works might be next.

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Theft causes concern 
12 October 2005  
By HELEN HARVEY

The theft of a Paul Dibble bronze sculpture in Waikanae last week has got
city sculpture owners worried their works might be next. 


There are a number of sculptures by the Palmerston North artist in the city,
but yesterday private owners were reluctant to say where they are, in case
they are targeted. 

The thieves apparently took the Waikanae sculpture by using a mechanical
pulley or crane system to hoist the sculpture on to a commercial vehicle. 

Palmerston North Library manager Anthony Lewis said the library's Dibble
sculpture is heavy and putting it in place was such a mammoth undertaking he
can't see anyone moving it. 

"I'm not concerned about it." 

There is a lot of people around the library, day and night, which would
deter any would-be thieves, he said. 

Te Manawa Art Gallery manager and curator Alice Hutchison said the gallery's
Dibble sculpture is very secure and incredibly heavy. 

There are a number of Dibble sculptures in public places around the city,
she said. "It's a huge worry." 

UCOL also has a Dibble sculpture, but was reluctant to talk about it,
concerned they may be targeted. 

Communications manager Christine Beech said the sculpture was cemented into
a platform. 

"It's not something you'd just push over." 

All the sculptures are insured for undisclosed amounts.