University News
OPS Recovers Stolen Artwork
April 23, 2013
MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (OPS) has recovered a piece of artwork that was stolen April 12 from the Corbin/Olson Dining facility on the Macomb campus.
According to OPS Lt. Tom Clark, the department received a tip about the artwork and following a brief investigation, the painting was recovered. Scott Engels, 20, a resident of Olson Hall, was arrested at 1:57 a.m. Tuesday, April 23 for theft of government property. He was lodged in the McDonough County Jail [this arrest will be included in the Wednesday, April 24 OPS Report].
"Community involvement is essential in police work. Had it not been for this tip, we may not have recovered this artwork," Clark said. "Some people may not want to tell on someone or get someone in trouble, but when one person takes something from our community, whether it be a painting in a dining facility or an intentional fire that destroyed a storage shed dedicated to a former coach's son, that person should be held accountable for their actions."
Clark noted that this is the second crime OPS has solved this week alone based on a tip provided to the department.
"We rely on the community to partner with us to solve crimes," he added. "It is a priceless and necessary partnership we greatly value."
Any information about crimes can be reported to the Office of Public Safety (309-298-1949) or to the Macomb Area Crime Stoppers at (309) 836-3222. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=686 or by texting CRIMESTOP plus your tip to CRIMES (274637).
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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