Shocking Theft Rocks Casa Loma
Posted June 7, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
One of Toronto’s most historic buildings was robbed of several of its celebrated treasures Saturday morning.
Robbers reportedly made off with two World War II submachine guns, an antique rifle and a Queen’s Own Rifles helmet after police allege they climbed a scaffold being used in Casa Loma‘s restoration and smashed a second floor window to get inside.
Though the weapons have been professionally decommissioned — meaning they don’t work and never will — they have tremendous historical value and are worth an estimated $3000.
“Something of this magnitude has never happened to Casa Loma as long as I’ve been here and I’ve been here for 15 years,” said Director of Operations Brian Cormier.
“(They) kicked in the door, went into some cases that were there … and took two or three of the weapons from that room.”
The bandits, believed to be a pair, also reportedly tried to snatch a grandfather clock but couldn’t carry it away.
In a bizarre twist, a trail of blood was left stretching from the crime scene to a nearby TTC stop at Spadina and St. Clair, and police are hoping it may lead to an arrest after DNA testing.
“The person that was bleeding was bleeding extensively and they seemed to have gained it from cutting themselves upon gaining entry,” explained Toronto Police Staff Sgt. Dan Sabadics.
If you know anything about the robbery call police at 13 Division at 416-808-1306 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
