Toledo Harbor Lighthouse SOciety / Press Release
1750 Park Rd. # 2
TEL: [419] 691-3788
FAX: [419] 691-2788 www.toledolighthouse.org
Press Release
Lake Erie Pirates stole the Toledo Lighthouse boat lift, dock and ramp apparently for scrap aluminum – they must be caught and brought to justice. Last Thursday, April 9th, the dock and ramp were seen in good order. Saturday the dock, ramp and lift were gone. The Toledo Lighthouse Society is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to arrest and conviction of the thieves. Tax deductible contributions to help with the reward and the dock may be made at any 5th 3rd bank – just ask to contribute to the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Society reward/dock benefit.
The dock was 28 feet long and eight feet wide, the aluminum ramp was 4 feet wide and 40 feet long. These structures were installed in October 2008 and remained in an elevated position through the winter. As of April 9, 2009 the dock and ramp were in excellent condition. As of April 11 the dock, lift and ramp were gone. These are substantial structures that took a pretty large boat and gear to dismantle the dock and ramp. The cost of the stolen structures add up to nearly $40,000 which was paid for through a grant, festival proceeds and member contributions. The Toledo Lighthouse Society is an all volunteer organization with nearly 400 members. Many worked hard to have this dock and ramp purchased and installed so that the public could get in to see the lighthouse as it is restored.
Pictures of the dock and ramp before and after the vandals are attached. The Lake Erie Pirates who did this must be caught and punished. Please report any information relating to this incident to the Lucas County Sheriff Detective’s office at 419-213-4921. The Toledo Lighthouse Society would sincerely appreciate help in solving this crime.
Submitted by Sandy Bihn, President, 419-691-3788