Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 23, 1993                   TAG: 9305230045
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

PAWS PRUNED, TIGER TAKEN - AGAIN

For the second time in less than a year, someone has stolen the wooden tiger on display in front of Powell's Town and Country Exxon on U.S. 29.

Cut off from its two hind paws, the 4-foot, 120-pound oak tiger resembled the springing tiger seen in Exxon commercials.

The latest theft occurred late on the night of May 13 or early the next morning, Powell said.

As was the case the last year, Powell said all he wants is the tiger returned. "No questions asked, just like last time. I won't file charges against them," he said.

The tiger was a gift from workers on Powell's toy lift, a program to provide Christmas toys to needy children. The tiger is worth only about $200, but it has great sentimental value.

"If it was something I had bought, it wouldn't bother me. I would just go out and buy another one," he said. "But this was a gift for service to the community, and it's different."

Last year, the tiger was stolen while Powell was setting up his toy drive for the Salvation Army on Dec. 10. After the theft was publicized, the tiger was returned on Christmas Eve.

After that incident, the tiger was attached to a planter with two bolts through its feet. This time, the thieves sawed off the tiger at its hind ankles.