Calgary man appeals for return of stolen rare items at auto shop break-in – Calgary | Globalnews.ca

On Tuesday, a Calgary man made an emotional appeal in the hope of returning some of the priceless bits of his past.

comes after Don Zawasky Impressed by two recent break-ins at an automotive restoration shop, where they worked their magic for nearly half a century.

break-ins at Don’s Wheels of Time Restoration Calgary Canada Day in the North East occurred within two days of each other over the long weekend.

“They turned it off,” said Zawaski, pointing to a large industrial fan in the wall, “and off there it came. And the second time he kicked the wall.”

Hundreds of items were taken in two sabotage.

“$5,000 worth of Hot Wheels were stolen, and my photo albums,” Zawasky said. “They stole all the pictures of the work I did on all these cars.”

Since opening his business in 1973, Zawasky has restored hundreds of vehicles, one of them riddled with royalties.

“The Queen Mum, 1948 at Daimler,” said Zawasky. “A museum in Victoria sent me the car – I worked on it in the early 90s.”

Dozens of tools were also taken during the break-in, along with photographs of Zawasky’s work and collectibles such as Hot Wheels miniature cars.

“They took all the aerial tools and grinders, and they took some hammers,” Zawasky said, estimating the total value of all the stolen items to be “at least $10,000.”

Zawasky says his equipment was too old to be insured and he is sad that a lot is gone that cannot be replaced.

“My personal history means a lot to me and my family, my grandchildren,” Zawasky said.

Zawasky is appealing to the man who broke into his shop.

“You can have my Hot Wheels, but my tools and my photo album, are you going to throw them in the trash?” Zawasky said. “Because they don’t deserve anyone other than me, I would appreciate it if someone left them in a box. Please bring my tools back so I can pursue my hobby which is my job.”