THAR SHE BLOWS: Yarmouth cops hope to crack stolen whale bone caper… [UPDATED]
UPDATE FROM THE YPD:
POLICE RECOVER WHALE BONE AND CHARGE DENNIS MAN
On Wednesday, December 12, 2018 the Yarmouth Police Department responded to the International Fund For Animal Welfare Headquarters on Summer Street in Yarmouthport regarding the theft of a 6 to 7 foot long right side section of a Right Whale jaw bone.
The jaw bone had been stored behind an outdoor storage area.
This week, as a result of public awareness of the theft, the Yarmouth Police Department received information from the Chatham Police Department that the whale bone in question had been sold to a person in Chatham.
Yarmouth Police Department Detectives Eric Nuss and Michael Wells recovered the whale bone in Chatham and obtained information of the suspect.
Yarmouth Police Detectives spoke with a witness who was at the scene at the time of the theft.
On December 19, 2018, the suspect—Paul F. Doyle age 76, of Lower County Road in Dennisport–was identified and interviewed at Yarmouth Police Department Headquarters.
Based on a result of statements made by the suspect and evidence obtained from the witness and the person who purchased the item, the Yarmouth Police Department will charge the suspect with Larceny and will be summonsing the suspect to the Barnstable District Court.
The Yarmouth Police Department have made contact with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials who are reviewing the case for potential federal violations.
The whale bone has been returned to IFAW.
The Yarmouth Police Department commends the work of the Yarmouth and Chatham Police Department Detectives involved, the witness, and the media for bringing attention to and solving this case.
………..
Initial coverage:
It hasn’t exactly been a ‘whale of a time’ for a local animal welfare group. And police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The following is the actual YPD media statement:
POLICE INVESTIGATE THEFT OF WHALE JAW BONE
On Wednesday, December 12, 2018 the Yarmouth Police Department responded to the International Fund For Animal Welfare Headquarters on Summer Street in Yarmouthport regarding the theft of a 6 to 7 foot long left side of a Right Whale jaw bone.
The jaw bone had been stored behind an outdoor storage area and is estimated to worth a minimum of $5,000.
Attached is a picture of what the jaw bone looks like. Not the actual picture of the missing one.
Anyone with information about this theft is urged to contact the Yarmouth Police Department Detective Division Detective Eric Nuss immediately at 508.775.0445 extension 2132.
P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by 8 Hours of Whale Sounds! [CRANK IT]
