Beloved Coupeville Bronze Sculptures Stolen, Community Seeks Answers
Two iconic bronze sculptures that sat outside the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce visitor center were unbolted and stolen overnight, removing familiar landmarks that draw tourists and locals alike. The loss raises questions about public art security and whether the value of the pieces will push charges to a felony, while town officials collect evidence and ask residents to come forward with tips.
Two heavy bronze figures that have greeted visitors to Coupeville for roughly 12 years were taken from the Chamber of Commerce visitor center after being unbolted in an overnight theft. The sculptures, a little girl reading on a bench and a dog lifting its leg on a fire hydrant, disappeared after thieves arrived prepared with wrenches and hardware. Investigators found one broken bolt and a bench leg abandoned at the scene.
Coupeville Deputy Marshal Brandon Reed told reporters that the marshal's office is gathering surveillance video and following up on leads. Chamber Director Lynda Eccles has asked the public to share any information and to be on the lookout for the pieces. The chamber is contacting donors to help estimate the sculptures' value to determine whether the case meets the statutory threshold for felony charges. Anyone with tips is asked to call the town marshal.
The sculptures were donated to the chamber about 12 years ago and had become part of Coupeville's visual identity. They were frequently photographed, decorated seasonally, and used as a backdrop for social media posts and visitor photos. For a small town that relies on heritage tourism and downtown foot traffic, the removal of such recognizable public art has both cultural and economic implications.
Beyond the immediate loss, the theft highlights the vulnerability of small town amenities that serve as low cost drivers of visitor engagement. Replacing or reproducing bronze work is costly and often requires insurance claims, donor outreach, or municipal funds. The chamber and the marshal's office will have to weigh replacement costs against budget pressures, while the community absorbs the short term decline in a celebrated streetscape feature.
Local reaction has been one of dismay and frustration, with residents describing the sculptures as beloved fixtures. Town leaders say this incident will prompt a review of how public art is secured and monitored, and underscores the broader challenge facing small communities in protecting assets that support local commerce and civic pride during a season when visitors are especially visible.
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