Valuable Sculptures Stolen from Anaheim Facility

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Robust security measures are crucial to protect valuable artworks in art facilities.

News Summary

Two significant sculptures by artist Sir Daniel Winn, valued at over $2.1 million, were stolen from a secure facility in Anaheim. The theft suggests a highly organized operation, utilizing heavy equipment to lift the massive artworks, which included ‘Quantum Mechanics: Homme’ and ‘Icarus Within.’ Authorities believe that the theft was specifically targeted, noting nothing else in the facility was disturbed. As investigations continue, the art community is urged to enhance security measures for valuable collections.

Anaheim, CA – Two monumental sculptures by renowned artist Sir Daniel Winn, valued at over $2.1 million, were stolen from a secure facility in Anaheim between June 14 and 15, 2025. The heist is considered to be a highly coordinated operation, with investigators believing that heavy equipment, such as forklifts, was used to remove the massive artworks.

The stolen sculptures include Quantum Mechanics: Homme, a life-size sculpture standing 8 feet tall and weighing approximately 4,000 pounds, worth an estimated $1.8 million. This piece is notable not only for its size and value but also for its appearance in the award-winning short film Creation. The second sculpture, Icarus Within, also measures 8 feet in height, weighs about 2,000 pounds, and is valued at $350,000. It is crafted from stainless steel and bronze.

The sculptures were temporarily housed at a facility that Winn intended to convert into his new showroom. Remarkably, nothing else in the facility was disturbed, suggesting that the theft was specifically aimed at these two significant pieces. This targeted approach has raised suspicions among law enforcement that the thieves had prior knowledge of the storage arrangements.

The incident recalls a previous art theft in September 2023, where a bronze Buddha statue was stolen in a similar manner. The community has been instrumental in providing tips that led to the rapid recovery of the sculptures, which were found just days later in a trailer at a residence in Anaheim. Investigators suspect that the perpetrators had inside information regarding the temporary location of the artworks.

As of the latest updates, law enforcement has not made any arrests, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are urging local businesses to take enhanced security measures to deter similar crimes, especially in areas where valuable artworks are at risk.

Winn, a Vietnamese refugee and former medical student, has faced emotional distress over the theft, comparing the loss of his sculptures to that of losing children. He has emphasized the significance of these artworks as integral to his artistic legacy, reflecting both personal meaning and deep philosophical connections related to his life experiences.

Most notably, Winn was appointed Art Commissioner for John Wayne Airport shortly before the theft occurred, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. His appointment highlights the artist’s growing influence and the value placed on his contributions to the art community.

While investigations continue, Winn’s case serves as a reminder of the potential vulnerabilities faced by artists and the art community in general. As authorities work diligently to resolve the crime, the hope remains that increased security efforts will better protect high-value artworks from future thefts.

The theft has resonated within both the local community and the broader art world, sparking conversations about the safety and security of artistic collections. It underscores the need for facilities housing valuable pieces to implement robust security solutions to prevent these sophisticated heists from occurring.

The artistry of Sir Daniel Winn, with his rich background and significant achievements in the field, has brought attention to this incident and the implications of stolen art. As the investigation unfolds, both the artist and the community await to see how the situation resolves, hoping for justice and the safe return of an invaluable cultural heritage.