A major theft at Cleveland's Museum of Natural History has sparked an active investigation involving University Circle and Cleveland police.
According to a statement released by the museum, a small number of items from the museum's mineral collection were discovered missing Thursday.
They added that valuation of the objects has not yet been confirmed, but based on an initial assessment; the items are not thought to be of significant material value.
A source told newsnet5.com that some of the items include sapphires from the museum's Wade Collection. The museum's gem exhibit was closed for maintenance Friday.
"As long as I've been down here, this is the first time it's happened at a museum, that any of these museums got hit like this," said Sgt. Mike Piskura, who will soon mark 30 years with the University Circle Police Department.
Sgt. Piskura said sensitive information wasn't being released just yet because detectives don't want to tip off the thieves.
"The museums in the city of Cleveland have always been looked at as something special, so we don't want to give a black eye to anyone," he added.
