Bell heist hits Saranac Lake 6er fans

The bell and sign were stolen from the bandshell in Berkeley Green (Photo: Village of Saranac Lake)

Calling all you Encyclopedia Browns!

The great mystery in Saranac Lake this weekend is the great bell heist of 2013.

Someone has stolen the bell from Berkeley Green Park that hikers are supposed to ring when they finish the Adirondack 6er collection of peaks.

The Mayor in happier times with his bell. A $250 reward has been offered for its return. (Photo: Brian Mann)

Village Mayor Clyde Rabideau has offered a $250 reward for return of the “6er Bell and backdrop sign”.

Clues are welcome at “891-4422 with any information you may have. Your name will shall be kept absolutely confidential.”

“To those perpetrators,” Rabideau said, “we ask for the return of the bell and sign immediately.” The village plans to install a 24/7 webcam at the site to thwart future wrong-doers.

This isn’t the first time that a big heist has been the talk of the town in Saranac Lake.  Ten years ago, thieves made off with a series of works by local artist Tim Fortune.