Police in Weare are investigating the disappearance of several plastic orange flamingos that have been popping up around town in support of a local girl battling leukemia.
Shortly after 12-year-old Abby VanDyke was diagnosed earlier this month, a group of community members organized a fundraiser for her family by selling the orange flamingos. For $10 apiece, the orange flamingos – orange being the color that represents leukemia awareness – have been selling quickly and organizers are trying to keep up with the demand. Already some 1,300 have been distributed with 500 more on the way, said organizer Kim Burke.
But police say someone has been stealing the flamingos off several residential and business properties around town this week.
“It’s just simply wrong,” said Weare police Lt. Frank Hebert.
Calls from residents reporting their flamingos stolen have been coming into the police department for the last three days, many just to vent their frustration with the thefts. Most have been stolen at night, Hebert said.
“When people are sneaking around houses at 2 a.m., I have some real concerns,” Hebert said. “They’re lacking common sense.”
Police are not sure exactly how many flamingos have been stolen or where they have been taken, but 15 were found abandoned on the side of Colby Road in a trash bag on Friday. The flamingos were later returned to their owners.
The fundraiser has taken off on social media, reaching communities beyond Weare. Despite the thefts, Burke said orders for more flamingos continue to flow in.
“We are strong and Abby is strong and this isn’t going to stop us from continuing our support,” Burke said. “It’s sad to see someone steal something that means so much to a little girl.”
Abby “loves the flamingos and the support she has received from friends, family and neighbors, and even strangers,” Burke said. “Her mom says she smiles whenever they drive by them.”
Police are continuing to investigate the missing flamingos, and the thief, or thieves, could face a charge of theft. Hebert hopes those responsible will “do the right thing” and come forward.
“This behavior is disturbing on many levels,” Hebert wrote on the Weare Police Department’s Facebook page. “I’ll be waiting for a call.”
Police are asking anyone with information to call the department at 529-7755.
(Nick Stoico can be reached at 369-3309, nstoico@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @NickStoico.)