Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 16/05) - When a polar bear carving went missing from the Berkshire Securities office this week, part of Bert Griffin's Christmas spirit went with it.

Have you seen this bear? Bert Griffin of Berkshire Securities is looking for a polar bear carving stolen from his office around noon Monday. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

"It really put a damper on my day," Griffin said.

The Gilbert Daniels carving, valued at more than $5,000, was taken from Griffin's second floor office at 5021-49th St.

Griffin said that around noon last Monday, someone walked into his office and swiped the heavy sculpture from a desk, just out of his line of vision. "It isn't a small, lightweight piece, someone would have to carry it with two arms," he said and estimated its weight at almost 100 pounds.

"It shows how desperate people are getting," he said.

"I've lived in Yellowknife for 11 years and it's sad to see the way things are going. It's a sign of the times."

Griffin said he was told that stolen carvings often turn up in bars where people look for a quick, cheap sale.

He plans to post photos of the carving around town and will offer a reward for its return. "I'd really like to have it back," he said.

RCMP Sgt. Darcy Fleury said people should be wary of anyone who approaches them with a "great deal."