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Theft leads to reward offer

Thieves take valuable items from Masonic Lodge in Sooke

It was Valentine’s Day and they didn’t even leave a card, says Fred Parker, secretary for the Masonic Mount Shepherd Lodge on Throup Road. He was joking but he was also concerned about the theft. Parker said thieves broke in through a fence and a window and made off with a lot of Masonic items.

“I don’t think it’s kids, anything of value is gone,” he said. “They busted a locked door and tore a safe off a filing cabinet

The Masonic lodge has offered a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the break entry and theft of Masonic articles on February 14.

The following articles were taken: chrome-plated spade, pick and crowbar and a refurbished black pick; three swords one is dated to the 1800s and two have sheaths; two second principal scepters (wooden and colored red/blue); three used Masonic aprons, a silver chalice in a wooden case; wooden case holding a one-half bottle of scotch used for ceremonial installations.

The chalice is worth about $500 and the swords are valuable as well.

Also missing is eight boxes of wine glasses each holding six glasses, small case holding chromed working tools of a Mason; wooden tower with opening for donations (one foot high) has lower drawer; one vacuum cleaner Canadian (blue); an  assortment of various kitchen knives including a butcher/serrated knife and two fire extinguishers. They also broke a safe apart which contained $150.

“We had to cancel one of our meetings because of this,” said Parker.

Many of the items should be recognizable as they have Masonic symbols on them, said Parker. He said they may be put up for sale on e-Bay or in pawn shops on the Island.

If anyone has information they are asked to contact the RCMP in Sooke refer to file 2012-598.