'Kate' on her bicycle near Riverstone Pond. (Courtesy: city of Coeur d'Alene)

Coeur d’Alene police are investigating the theft of a popular—and very identifiable—piece of art from Riverstone Park. Sometime between Friday night and early Saturday morning, parts of a statue depicting a 1920s-era woman on a bicycle being followed by two dogs were stolen. “This was not just a prank; it appears to be a sophisticated effort,” said Coeur d’Alene Recreation Director Steve Anthony. “They probably cut the pieces off with industrialized bolt cutters.” Officer Mark Knapp of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department said officials are investigating the crime, which is a felony. “It’s a bronze lady in a seated position so that’s going to be hard to miss,” Knapp said. “We’re keeping our eyes open.” Anthony estimated the artwork is worth about $25,000, ~~though if recycled the stolen pieces would be worth much less. Entitled “Kate,” the statute was of a woman riding a bicycle alongside two dogs. The woman and one of the dogs was taken. Anthony said the woman weighs several hundred pounds and the dog about 30-50 pounds/Keith Erickson, city of Coeur d'Alene.

DFO: Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Coeur d’Alene police at 208-769-2320.