On yesterday's walk along the river, I passed the Public Works yard where the metal spiral stairs are being stored that were removed from the Astoria Column column in June and replaced with new ones. I had heard recently that the stairs had been stolen from the yard. What a feat that would have been, and the Public Works yard is only a block down the street from the Police Station, too. Some nerve. But I pictured them as being gone. So, when I saw them yesterday, I was surprised. Had they been returned? Recaptured? What was the deal? I looked up the story online, and found the original police press release, which puts it all into perspective, as only "several stairs" were taken. . . .Police Department City of Astoria
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Theft of old Astoria Column steps
DATE/TIME: 09/16/2009
RELEASED BY: Eric Halverson, Sergeant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On 09/16/2009 The Astoria Police Department began an investigation into the theft of cast iron steps that were removed from the Astoria Column recently for replacement.
The steps were being stored at the Astoria Public Works yard. Several stairs were cut off a section of the staircase. The steps have an estimated weight of 130 pounds and required the use of a torch to cut them loose. The estimated scrap value of the stairs is approximately $70.00, however the historic and sentimental value of the stairs is quite high.
The Astoria Police Department is seeking information leading to the recovery of the steps and prosecution of the suspects. “This was a calculated move on the part of the suspect (s) requiring time, knowledge and specialized equipment to accomplish” said Sgt. Halverson. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Astoria Police Department at (503) 325-4411.
So, there you have it. That's the story :)
OOPS, HOLD THE PRESSES: UPDATE FROM "ANONYMOUS" . . .
"They haven't retracted the story yet, but the guys who work for the city told me no stairs were stolen-that someone just goofed up."
Thanks for the info. I don't know if that's encouraging or discouraging, but it seemed mighty strange that someone hopped over all that chain link with those hefty stairs in hand. Well, amusing story, anyway.
9 comments:
Incredible. The things people do?!
What morons would do something like that? Sheesh. This world gets weirder every day!
At least this looks like one more step up the ladder of weirdness!
Where the heck would you put that thing? It's not like you'd install them in your house just to get up to that trendy new loft. Oh well.
Do People really do these ?Unseen Rajasthan
Heck at least it wasn't a guard rail on a hairpin curve. You'd think there was enough scrap metal after the clunkers program. Thanks for making a good story out of detail. It is such a strength.
I can hardly imagine something like this could have happened! Stealing stairs? :-|
- Pixellicious Photos
they havnt retracted the story yet, but the guys who work for the city told me no stairs were stolen-that someone just goofed up
Thankfully, you got the full story.
This is quite incredible: all this work to cut few steps? Sentimental value? Did they kiss over those steps? This seems more a story from Italy, not from Oregon!
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