Stolen statue returned to Pirate Toy Fund with apology note

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The pirate statue stolen from the front of Pirate Toy Fund in Spencerport was returned to the organization.

A representative from the Pirate Toy Fund said someone returned the statue sometime overnight.

According to the Ogden Police Department, the statue was returned, along with an apology note seemingly taped to the front of its chest.

The Pirate Toy Fund is a company focused on giving toys to kids in need. In 2023 the toy fund provided over 41,000 toys.

“When kids groups come and visit and they walk in the entrance and see this child pirate – it’s a big smile and warming feeling when they come in knowing what we do,” Executive Director of Pirates Toy Fund Otto Harnischfeger said.

Security footage provided Wednesday shows a man taking the statue and placing it into the back of a red pickup truck before riding away.

Harnischfeger says there has never been an issue at this location in Spencerport before, as the toy fund’s current location was just opened in January of 2024.

“It’s just heartbreaking, it really is. This morning when I pulled in, I was furious. You know what you’re trying to do for the public, and someone comes in and just puts you two steps back,” Harnischfeger said.

Ogden Police posted on Facebook that the truck has been located and wanted to emphasize it is not affiliated with any local fire department despite the markings. No word yet on any arrests.

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