$100k worth of artwork stolen from Colony

Former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber reported that more than $100,000 worth of statues and artwork was stolen from his longtime fifth-floor midrise unit.

Property Manager Larry Stritzel discovered the break-in July 23 and called Klauber, who came to the property with family members later that morning. The report states Klauber’s daughter, Katie Moulton, suggested at 4:30 p.m. that day that Stritzel call police to report that $100,000 worth of artwork had been stolen to add to a previous report. Stritzel had already left for the day and reported it the next morning.

When police asked Klauber why he waited to report the theft, he told police he was in a state of shock.

The report states the items were wrapped in plastic, cardboard and newspaper.

According to the report, Klauber said it had been nearly six months since he had seen the artwork, and when he went into the unit on the morning of July 23 all that was left was the wrapping that covered the items.

When Stritzel originally found that vandals had entered the property on July 17, police reports from that morning indicated that 33 rooms in six buildings were damaged.

The entry point into the main tower building, where the stolen artwork was located, was near the entrance of the gift shop on the first floor. The unknown assailant entered the building by throwing a fire extinguisher through a plate glass door.

When police investigated on July 24, the doorway had already been boarded up and it was not re-opened. Because of mold in the building, the scene of the crime was considered structurally dangerous, and the scene was not investigated in the location where it occurred.

For more information, pick up a July 31 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Caleb Motsinger at [email protected].