Portage la Prairie RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in locating a sentimental wooden carving. A carved eagle was stolen from a yard in the 100 block of 4th Street SE in Portage la Prairie. On October 15th, Portage la Prairie RCMP were notified that sometime overnight a large wooden carving of an Eagle was stolen. The carving has sentimental value more than monetary value.

Bob Oldford is the owner and explains the significance it has to his family.

"It was carved for my wife, about a month or so ago, sometime back in September," says Oldford. "It was placed in our front garden where it sat for the whole time without a problem. on the morning of last Thursday, it was still there in the evening when we went to bed a week ago. Then when we got up Friday morning, it was gone. I don't go to bed before 10:00 or close to 11 at night. so, sometime during the night, it was taken."

Oldford says it's about four feet high and weighs at least 150 pounds.

"So, it's not a light item to move," continues Oldford. "When we put it in place, we used a fridge cart, it took two of us to take it off the truck, and bring it down with a ramp for putting in place."

Oldford says a local man carved the eagle and is a friend of the family.

"But the significance is the eagle, of course, in the sacred teachings means love," adds Oldford. "My grandsons', which are indigenous, great grandmother who passed away about almost two years ago now, was the real love and connection of the whole family. This eagle carving that we got and put in the front lawn was very significant because of the love that she showed. It meant a lot to our family."

He explains he's filed police reports with the RCMP and Manitoba first nations police service, but just wants it back, no questions asked.

"We would just like to get it back because of its this significant meaning to our family and to our grandkids as well."