Stolen fiberglass dinosaur Clair returned to Brentwood gas station

A 50-pound green fiberglass dinosaur named Clair was returned to a Sinclair-branded gas station in Brentwood, Los Angeles, 10 days after it was stolen from outside the station on Sept. 27.

Owner John Fawcett said the long-necked statue had become a beloved local fixture after a customer, Keith Salmon, gave it to him years ago; Mr. Fawcett painted it green, installed it beside the fuel-price sign and the community often dressed Clair for holidays. Security footage showed a hooded person cutting the metal that secured the statue at about 2:30 a.m. and loading it into a white pickup. The theft prompted memorials, viral social media posts and a repost from the actress Jamie Lee Curtis, and the Los Angeles Police Department later called to ask if Mr. Fawcett wanted to file a report.

Clair was returned in the early hours a week and a half later, wrapped in cloth and carrying a note that read, “I’m sorry for stealing Claire! Please do not press charges! Thanks.” Mr. Fawcett unwrapped the statue in front of a crowd and said she had a few nicks and scratches but would be fine; he added she was “going to need a spa day.”

Mr. Fawcett said he still does not know who took Clair and that he would not press charges, as the note requested. A correction published with the report said the statue’s name is Clair, not Claire.

Key Topics

Culture, Clair, Brentwood, Sinclair Oil, John Fawcett, Jamie Lee Curtis