Rannali 'stoked' painting found 12 years later

RECOVERED: A Timo Rannali painting believed to have been stolen about 12 years ago has been handed in to Tauranga Police. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN

Local artist Timo Rannali was "stoked" to hear an art work he painted has been handed into police 12 years after it was stolen from its owners.

The canvas painting, which depicts a scene from the Mauao base track, was handed in to police on June 3 and the original owner is yet to be tracked down. It measures 605mm by 455mm.

Bay of Plenty police communications manager Kim Perks said the painting had recently come into a man's possession and he had concerns about its origins so handed it in to police.

The police had looked through records but had not been able to locate the original owner, she said.

Mr Rannali said he was stoked it had been found and was not vandalised.

"It's neat that it has re-emerged. The original owners were upset, obviously. I do remember the people coming in and telling me they had a whole lot of stuff stolen.

"I believe they had basically cleaned out the house."

Mr Rannali believed he had done another painting for the owners after the burglary, but could not be sure.

"I was thinking my work must be worth a fortune, then I realised they took everything."

If you believe this is your painting or you have any information that might help to reunite it with its owner, please contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.