$ 200,000 in stolen art sought

Niagara Regional Police have released new details about a December break- in in Niagaraonthe- Lake that resulted in the theft of several paintings worth more than $ 200,000.

On Thursday, police released photos of six paintings that were stolen from a home in the area of Niagara Townline Road and St. Paul Road on Dec. 17. Police have also released an image of the getaway truck.

The paintings are the work of pop artists Alec Monopoly, Max Neutra and King Saladeen. Original works by the painters, particularly by Monopoly, sell at auction for $ 10,000 or more.

Police say they believe multiple suspects entered the home, took the paintings and fled.

Detectives believe the suspects left the area in a white, newer model GMC Sierra, a four- door pickup truck with a sunroof and running boards.

Of the painting, four were originals by the New York painter Alec Andon, known professionally as Alec Monopoly. He is an Andy Warhol- like graffiti artist known for his portraits of celebrities and paintings of Rich Uncle Pennybags, the top- hat wearing icon from the Monopoly board game.

Among the stolen art are two portraits of actor Jack Nicholson and one painting featuring Pennybags.

Const. Phil Gavin said detectives believe the house was targeted by the thieves, but they are still trying to determine if the specific paintings were the sole reason for the break- in.

Police are asking anyone with information about the theft and the paintings to call them at 905- 6884111 ext. 9276 or Crime Stoppers Niagara at 1- 800- 222- TIPS. glafleche@ postmedia. com twitter. com/ grantrants