A sierrawave.net reader provided  photos of the damage and thefts at the petroglyph site.  This shows an attempt to steal with four sides cut by a saw.

A sierrawave.net reader provided photos of the damage and thefts at the petroglyph site. This shows an attempt to steal with four sides cut by a saw.

Still no arrests in the theft and vandalism of ancient petroglyphs near Bishop, and Bureau of Land Management officials still will not say exactly where the recovered petroglyphs are now and where they were found.

Bernadette Lovato, BLM Field Office Manager in Bishop, said investigators continue to work on leads. She said because this is still an ongoing investigation, she could not reveal any other details. Reports had indicated that an anonymous letter revealed the location of the petroglyphs that were stolen in November. Lovato said she could not say anything except that an anonymous tip led to the discovery of the stolen petroglyphs.

Said Lovato, “I can not disclose where they were discovered or where they are right now. We have to preserve the integrity of the investigation.” She did say that BLM really needs the public’s help now. She said, “We believe there are individuals here who have knowledge of this act. We need specific information,” she said.

Anyone with information can call anonymously either of two BLM investigators at 760-937-0657 or 760-937-0301. Lovato had earlier said that reward funds totaling $9,000 have been donated or pledged for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

It was in mid-November when BLM revealed that someone had used ladders, generators and power saws to cut out and remove rock art at five locations, leaving many other artworks damaged. The petroglyphs represent activities that occurred at the site during the past 3,500 years, according to BLM.


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