Dan Casey, the current owner of the Globe Hotel, has issued an urgent appeal for the return of the Cobb and Co historic sign stolen from his hotel earlier this week.
Corowa Police Sergeant Steve Marshall confirmed that authorities are actively scouring through CCTV footage from around the town, including key areas such as Edwards Street and the sale yards.
"We are determined to leave no stone unturned," said Marshall.
"We will expand our search to businesses across the border in Victoria to check their CCTV holdings. If the perpetrators think they can steal this sign and get away with it, it’s not going to happen."
The stolen sign, a significant landmark measuring about 12 feet in length, was removed with apparent expertise.
"This was a coordinated attack requiring skilled tradesmen and special tools," Sgt Marshall remarked.
He speculated that the theft may have been committed by someone local with a personal connection to the pub, though he expressed uncertainty about who could have the means and motive to carry out such a heist.
Mr Casey, who acquired the Globe Hotel eighteen months ago with plans to restore it to its former glory, expressed deep disappointment.
"I consider myself the custodian of this building, which truly belongs to the people of Corowa," he said.
The missing sign was to be cast in resin and displayed in the hotel's bar for visitors to appreciate.
"It’s a piece of history that can’t be replaced," he added.
The Globe Hotel has a storied past, having hosted significant events such as the evening banquet during the Corowa Federation Conference in 1893 and briefly accommodating the Air Force in 1942.
It also served as a notable landmark during the town’s gold rush era and was frequented by bushrangers like the Kelly Gang.
Authorities are offering a $500 reward for any information leading to the recovery of the sign.
Sgt Marshall has urged anyone with knowledge of the theft or the whereabouts of the sign to come forward.
"We ask everyone in the Corowa community to please contact us with any information that might help us recover this vital piece of local history."
For those with any information or any CCTV footage in and around Corowa around the time of the theft please contact the Corowa Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Your assistance could help restore a cherished symbol of Corowa’s heritage.
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