Police in British Columbia say all but two of the Bill Reid pieces stolen in an elaborate art heist last month from the UBC Museum of Anthropology have been recovered, but no charges have been laid in the case.
The announcement was made at a press conference at the Surrey Federal Operations Building Tuesday afternoon.
RCMP officers say the pieces were recovered from two residences -- one in Burnaby, and the other in New Westminster, on Sunday.
"After searching both residences extensively, all but two stolen Bill Reid art exhibits were recovered intact," said Insp. Brendan Fitzpatrick of the RCMP's E Division Major Crime Unit.
The most valuable piece, a gold box with an eagle, was one of the pieces recovered.
Three people were taken into custody in connection with the heist -- but all have been released without charges.
Up to 50 investigators from a number of specialized investigations units and detachments worked on the case.
The investigation included detailed examinations of the May 24 break-and-enter at the museum, including the alarm and video monitoring system inside the building.
In total, 12 Bill Reid pieces were stolen during the overnight break-in, as well as three Mexican pieces of art. Most pieces were made of gold.
Police say the Mexican art pieces were disassembled sometime during or after the theft, but did not comment on how badly the pieces were damaged.
While the RCMP is happy most of the items are recovered, members are still seeking public assistance to locate the last two items, which they believe are still somewhere in the Lower Mainland.
"Our investigation to date indicates those items likely went to a local buyer or stolen property broker," says Insp. Fitzpatrick.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 778-886-2870 or Crime Stoppers.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dag Sharman
