Third sculpture stolen from Kalbarri Skywalk, invaluable temperature gauge destroyed

Another sculpture has been stolen from the Kalbarri Skywalk, with police investigating the theft of a much-loved metal emu chick usually based at the attraction’s entry path.

It is the third time a public artwork has been taken from the Skywalk since the tourist hotspot opened to wide acclaim in June 2020.

A metal thorny devil was cut from a rock before the attraction’s official opening, while another emu chick was removed just two months later.

Kalbarri police officer-in-charge Sgt Darren Connor said the theft likely happened between 7am on January 6 and 7am on January 7.

He said someone would had to have used a portable power tool to remove the sculpture and authorities were in the middle of reviewing CCTV footage.

Sgt Connor said the sculpture meant a great deal to the Kalbarri community.

“Every time I go out there I admire the statues because they are one of the pinnacle features of the Skywalk outside the actual view itself,” he said.

Police believe the same person or people are potentially linked to a separate crime at Kalbarri National Park committed around the same time as the theft.

A thermometer near Nature’s Window was destroyed last week, leaving hikers without an accurate reading of conditions.

“This time of year, heat is the biggest safety issue out there. It’s very disappointing that someone has decided to do what they’ve done,” Sgt Connor said.

“At the end of the day, it potentially could have caused a fatality or serious injury to someone’s welfare.

“It’s paramount that particular item is left as it is so people can minimise the risk to themselves.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions said the thermometer was damaged beyond repair and the department was looking into quotes for a replacement.

Visitors to the park who may have seen anything suspicious are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.