A 19th-century painting of George Washington was stolen from a local storage unit in Englewood, Colorado, authorities said.
Englewood Police Department confirmed the theft likely occurred overnight on January 10 but was not immediately discovered.
Authorities are offering a $2,000 reward for anyone who knows the location of the portrait and for its return.
The George Washington was painted in the early 1800s.
The painting measures 24 inches by 30 inches and is framed in gold.
“It’s not often that we have historical artifacts or historical art pieces stolen from this city,” said Crystal Essman of the Englewood Police Department.
However, the painting’s financial value remains undisclosed.
#FBI Denver is assisting @PoliceEnglewood in the investigation into the missing painting. Please contact EPD, @CrimeStoppersCO or FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or https://t.co/nfbjZhdWhf if you have any information.
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) February 13, 2024
https://t.co/UFmHYFtHoT
Authorities cited difficulties in estimating such value due to its historical significance.
In an effort to retrieve the missing artwork, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined forces with local law enforcement.
Because the piece has a lot of historical significance, Essman said it is hard to estimate the value of it in dollars, wane reported.
“It’s a family heirloom, and they just want it back,” she said.
ABC reported:
Authorities were first alerted to what they call the missing “national treasure” late last month on January 22 when the Englewood Police Department received a call regarding the theft of a historical art piece from a storage facility in the 3300 block of South Santa Fe Drive in Englewood, Colorado, regarding a theft that possibly took place almost two weeks prior on January 10, according to a statement from the Englewood Police Department detailing the theft.
USAToday reported:
Essman said that protecting the identity of the victim is a top priority, adding that other specifics about the theft were still under investigation.
Authorities are asking for the public’s help to find the painting. Anyone with any information can call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit Tips at FBI.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for tips at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can choose to be anonymous.
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