Plimoth Plantation offers reward for arrest of vandals

(Plimoth Plantation)

Among the items stolen were two pieces of chest armor made with blackened steel, like the one worn here by a reenactor.

By Christopher Baxter, Globe Correspondent

Officials at Plimoth Plantation today offered a reward of $1,000 and a lifetime membership to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of vandals who struck the replica 17th-century Colonial village Friday.

“The total damage and losses will exceed $10,000,” said Paula Peters, a spokeswoman for the living museum. The invaders, described as a group of kids, allegedly stole a range of items, most notably beaver and muskrat pelts, as well as two steel pieces of chest armor valued at $700 each.

“It is incredibly disheartening when an institution dedicated to learning and cultural understanding falls victim to such an ignorant and destructive act,” John McDonagh, executive director, said in a prepared statement.

The group of vandals slipped unnoticed last week into the village, where the clock has been set back to 1627, and broke locks on eight houses, said Captain Michael E. Botieri of the Plymouth Police Department.

They proceeded to smash pottery, break fences, and steal antique hammers and replica tools, Botieri said. Many of the items were recreated by artisans working at the museum, Peters said.

An employee noticed the damage Saturday morning and reported it to police, Botieri said. An on-duty security guard did not notice any disturbances the night of the raid, and there was no taped surveillance of the area.

Officials are reviewing security measures to prevent future break-ins, Peters said. The village, used to re-create Pilgrim life, is popular among school groups and tourists.

Christopher Baxter can be reached at cbaxter@globe.com

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