Man Charged in Vancouver Art Thefts

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A man has been charged with the recent thefts of two sculptures valued at nearly $40,000 from a Vancouver art gallery.

The sculptures, by Rudolf Sokolovski, were taken from the Vancouver Fine Art Gallery on South Granville last Friday and Saturday.

Dror Darel, the gallery's director, says he didn't notice the first theft because he was busy helping a customer, but saw the second theft on his security camera.

"It took him eight seconds to walk in, lift up the sculpture and walk right out," Darel told CBC News.

Police identified the suspect as Francis Boivin, 50. He has been charged with two counts of theft over $5,000.

"Our officers responded quickly, reviewed security video, and immediately recognized the suspect," Sgt. Steve Addison said in a statement. "The thief had fled prior to our arrival, but the officers drove to his home in East Vancouver, waited for him, and arrested him when he arrived home carrying the stolen art."

When they searched Boivin's home they found the second piece of art.

Police said Boivin has 115 previous convictions.

Source: Vancouver Police Department