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Stolen B25 Bomber photo returned 'with just a couple of battle scars'

Police received tips following media reports and were able to recover artwork; 'There are a couple of scratches, but generally it is in excellent condition '

Photographer Ian McIntosh’s exhibit at city hall will be back to full capacity soon as his stolen piece of art has been recovered.

As reported Friday by BarrieToday, McIntosh’s piece B25 Bomber was stolen from the Collier Street rotunda sometime between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., last Monday.

The piece was one of 33 in his exhibit “That’s A Photo?!” and was taken by a male who was caught on security camera.

McIntosh was given the details of the art recovery by police, but couldn’t elaborate as the investigation is ongoing. 

“I got a text from one of the officers and it said that my property had been recovered and to get in touch,” McIntosh told BarrieToday. “I did immediately after jumping out of my seat and high-fiving those around me.”

To the naked eye, the artwork looks to be in pristine condition, but McIntosh said if you look closer, there are some signs the piece was handled without care.

“Well, it's not in tip-top shape,” he said. “There are a couple of scratches, but generally it is in excellent condition with just a couple of battle scars.”

While McIntosh says he feels betrayed that someone would take something so personal to him, he is elated that B25 Bomber was returned.

The local photographer does not blame city hall security; it never crossed his mind that theft was a possibility.

But McIntosh plans on taking precautions moving forward.

“It is a public space, not intended to be a gallery space,” said McIntosh. “When I take this back to the rotunda, I plan on hardwiring all of my pieces to the chains they are hanging from and do the same to the chains attached to the mounting hardware.”

McIntosh said he was told by police that the recovery was due to the video images of the suspect being shared on local news and social media. 

Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said the tip came in following yesterday’s media reports.

“We received information this morning and the artwork was recovered,” said Leon. “A suspect has been identified and charges are pending.”


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Shawn Gibson

About the Author: Shawn Gibson

Shawn Gibson is a staff writer based in Barrie
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