La Quinta police believe a public piece of art stolen from the Cove Oasis is the work of thieves looking to cash in on valuable metal.

Police are seeking the public's help in the recovery of the city-owned bronze relief map at the Cove Oasis.

The 200-pound, 34-inch by 24-inch piece was reported stolen Sept. 8. Police haven't received any leads on the three-dimensional map since then.

“It really is a tragedy because it was such a unique piece of the city,” said Lt. Raymond Gregory, La Quinta's assistant police chief.

The crime isn't the first metal theft the city has had, but Gregory said it is the first time they've had a public piece of artwork stolen in La Quinta.

“It must have taken at least a couple of men and a tough vehicle to get that piece,” said Steve Howlett, the city's golf and parks manager.

It also must have taken a long time to remove the bronze piece because it was attached by at least a dozen set-bolts and adhesive to a pedestal, Howlett said.

“You can see the scratching and hammer marks showing they had to pry it apart,” he said.

La Quinta police officers have been in communication with local recycling agencies about the piece, and officers will be on the lookout for it when on patrol or conducting searches, Gregory said.

The incident is the first report of vandalism on the piece, which was bought in May 2005 for $35,000 from local artist Sandy Swan.

City officials are considering replacing the art.

“It's a shame because not only was it a great bronze piece, it was a scale replica of the area,” Howlett said. “So it was not only informative, it helped hikers understand the trails and the region.”

Anyone with information about this crime is asked call La Quinta police at 863-8990.