Giant flags stolen from local car lot

The large American flag that flew high above Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury was stolen early this week, an act that may cost the automotive business $500.

The disappearance of the 15-by-25-foot flag was discovered on Monday morning. Several witnesses reported seeing the flag at the 11th Avenue and Lacey Boulevard business late Sunday evening.

Parts and services director Ed Holt said the thieves must have been planning the theft well in advance, because a ladder or a step-stool would have been required to untie the flag.

"The knot isn't so high up that you couldn't touch it, but even if you stood about 6 foot 5, you'd still need a ladder to get the thing undone," Holt said. "Whoever stole it must have really wanted it."

Holt estimated that the American flag alone is worth $500, while a large California flag was also stolen from the pole.

"I've been here 22 years and we've had this happen once before, years back," Holt said. "We will probably just buy a new one. I wish they'd just unhooked the flag, though. Instead, they pulled the whole rope down, so now we'll have to get the fire department or someone to come restring the 60-foot pole."

Hanford police were not called in to help search for the missing flags, Holt said.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(May 8, 2009)