The Deseret Morning News reports today that an 1888 edition of the Book of Mormon was stolen from a display case at a Deseret Industries [thrift] store in Centerville, UT. The book, donated by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' library and archives department "to help with funding the store and clearing room in the archives" was discovered missing on 17 January.
Centerville Police Lt. Paul Child said there are no signs of a break-in, and that D.I. employees claim the case was left locked. Investigators "are looking at the possibility of an inside job." A second 1888 Book of Mormon was purchased from Deseret Industries by a collector, and is now for sale on eBay. It has garnered bids of $355 so far.
"The 1888 edition of the Book of Mormon is hardbound and in pristine condition. There is a stamp on the inside front cover that reads: 'CHURCH LIBRARY ARCHIVES; THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS.' The category number also is printed on this stamp, and the word 'WITHDRAWN' has been stamped over the writing. There is also a handwritten note on the inside cover."
Anyone with information is asked to call Centerville police at 801-292-8441.
