The RCMP is continuing its investigation into the alleged looting of artifacts from the Beaubassin national historic site and will be filing protection of property orders against the people accused of digging more than 370 holes on the property in mid-July.
"We know who it is and we're hoping they will bring back whatever they took, if they took anything," Cpl. Mike Johnson of the Cumberland RCMP said. "We haven't heard anything from them and as far as we know, Parks Canada hasn't had any reports of anyone else being there."
Using a metal detector, the culprits allegedly dug numerous holes around the site in search of artifacts they could later sell.
There has been no indication any materials from the historic Acadian village at Fort Lawrence have been sold.
"The Protection of Property Act should prevent people from going in there, as well as giving us the authority for charging people if they do," Johnson said, adding Parks Canada also has law enforcement powers at these sites.
Johnson said anyone seeing suspicious activities at Beaubassin should contact the detachment.
After the looting was first noticed by a neighbour and archaeologist Charles Burke, Parks Canada decided against laying charges because the property was not marked. Parks Canada does plan on placing signage at the site reminding people of the historical significance of Beaubassin and telling them it is illegal to use a metal detector or remove artifacts from the site.
The third year of the public dig wrapped up a couple of weeks ago with more than 15,000 artifacts being collected over 44 days since 2007. Archaeologists from Parks Canada have also wrapped up their research.
RCMP continue investigation at Beaubassin
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Published on
September 16, 2009
- Published on March 5, 2010
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Darrell Cole
The RCMP is continuing its investigation into the alleged looting of artifacts from the Beaubassin national historic site and will be filing protection of property orders against the people accused of digging more than 370 holes on the property in mid-July.
"We know who it is and we're hoping they will bring back whatever they took, if they took anything," Cpl. Mike Johnson of the Cumberland RCMP said. "We haven't heard anything from them and as far as we know, Parks Canada hasn't had any reports of anyone else being there."
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