And now, a plot that is worthy of a Hollywood movie: Hours before a daring heist at the University of British Columbia, surveillance cameras mysteriously went off-line ... then came a phone call:
Around the same time, a caller claiming to be from the alarm company phoned campus security, telling them there was a problem with the system and to ignore any alarms that might go off.
Campus security fell for the ruse and ignored an automated computer alert sent to them, police sources told CBC News.
Meanwhile surveillance cameras that were still operating captured poor pictures of what was going on inside the museum because of a policy to turn the lights off at night.
Then, as the lone guard working overnight in the museum that night left for a smoke break, the thief or thieves broke in, wearing gas masks and spraying bear spray to slow down anyone who might stumble across them.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/06/04/bc-ubc-security-ruse.html (Photo: gold box by Bill Reid with a sculpted eagle on top, stolen from the museum)
I really hope they find the pieces. It would be such a shame if they were melted down for such a small amount of gold.
According to Wikipedia:
"In Canada all products with a label containing the words pepper spray, mace, etc, or otherwise originally produced for use on humans are classified as a restricted weapon[17]. Only Peace Officers, and individuals/corporations who have special government permits may legally carry or possess pepper spray. Any similar canister with the labels reading "dog spray" and/or "bear spray" may be legally carried by anyone. The legality of using spray intended for animal deterent on a person would be decided in court on a case-by-case basis."
When I got back inside I told the crew, "That's the way to rob a building... just be sure to wear a shirt and tie and look like you work there!"
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/440252