GUNS AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT STOLEN FROM PARKERSBURG MUSEUM

(12/23/2011)
Parkersburg police are investigating the theft of weapons, uniforms and other items from the Veterans Museum of the Ohio Valley in Parkersburg.

Museum director Gary Farris says that the weapons are irreplaceable.

They include a German officer's Beretta pistol that was found on Omaha Beach on D-Day in World War II.

Police say four rifles, 10 battle dress uniforms, bayonets and knives also were taken.

The break-in occurred Tuesday night.

Losses are estimated between $8,000 and $10,000.

Farris said the thefts are devastating to the museum, which doesn't have insurance and its security cameras are inoperable.

The museum has the weapons' serial numbers and Farris is hopeful that they will turn up.