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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 30, 1993                   TAG: 9306300114
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Short

PET-STORE BEAR THEFT LEAVES ROOFTOP BARE

Classy Critters, the pet center on Norwood Street, lost one of its animals last weekend when the large white bear that sits atop the business' roof was stolen.

The bear, a city landmark of sorts, is about 10 feet tall and weighs several hundred pounds. It once was black and sat atop the Bear Market in west Radford. Several years ago it was moved to its present location and painted when the White Bear Market opened.

Chris Dawson, an employee at the pet shop, said some folks have said the bear has been around Radford since the 1940s. "It makes it real easy to find the place," Dawson said.

He believes the bear was taken as a prank, but wonders where it might end up. It's really too tall to fit into an apartment, he said. "I imagine it will be found in a field somewhere," Dawson siad. "I mean, what do you do with a 10-foot bear? It's so big."

Lt. Jackie Roop of the Radford Police Department said the bear was reported missing Saturday.

Roop said it appears the bear was removed by more than one person who scaled the rooftop, took the bear off its perch and brackets and dragged it across the roof toward an alley behind the store.

Roop said no sightings of the bear have been reported. Anyone with information may call the Police Department's crime line at 731-3627.

"It can't stay hidden long - the [hunting] season will be in soon," Roop joked.

by CNB