KUCHING: A pair of antique brass cannons, cherished family heirlooms of the Telang Usan Hotel’s founding family, were stolen from the hotel’s entrance early Wednesday (June 5).
The cannons, which have been part of the hotel’s heritage display since its opening 34 years ago, were taken by three men around 2am.
In a Facebook post, the hotel shared closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, which reveals a white car parking in the hotel’s compound around 2.20am, with three men exiting the vehicle.
Two of the men disappeared from the camera’s view, while one stayed near the car.
Moments later, the two men were seen running back to the car, carrying what appeared to be the stolen cannons, before the car sped away.
According to The Borneo Post, Telang Usan general manager Audrey Wan Ullok emphasised the emotional significance of the cannons, which were once owned by her father, Datuk Stephen Wan Ullok.
The cannons, she said, were bolted to the concrete floor at the hotel entrance.
“The issue is not so much the monetary value of the cannons, but rather, they are family heirlooms with significant sentimental value for the hotel.
“And it has always been my father’s dream to share our culture and heritage.
“I have been working at the hotel for the past 32 years, and I will miss seeing the cannons when I arrive at work,” she told the daily.
As such, a police report has been filed, and an investigation is underway.
Audrey noted that the police have been given copies of CCTV footage from various angles in an effort to identify the car’s license plate numbers.
However, she acknowledged the possibility that the thieves may have used fake plates, given the planned nature of the theft and the fact that they covered their faces.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the hotel appealed to the public for any information regarding the stolen cannons, offering a reward for any leads that help recover the valuable heirlooms.
“If anyone has seen or heard anything or finds any antique cannons for sale that look like ours, we would really appreciate your help,” the post read.
