Thieves Steal Bronze Statue in Elm Thicket
A 300-pound bronze golfer statue was taken from a Dallas neighborhood overnight on September 24.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Property Crime
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Thieves stole a 6-foot-tall bronze golfer statue from the Elm Thicket/Northpark neighborhood on September 24. The statue honored the Hilliard Memorial Golf Course, which was the first municipal course built for African Americans in the southern U.S.
Why it matters
The theft removes a significant historical marker for the Hilliard Memorial Golf Course, a landmark established in 1950 to provide access for African American golfers. The loss impacts the community's connection to its local history.
Dallas police received a report of the theft on September 30, following the disappearance of the 300-pound statue on September 24. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains open.
The players
Dallas Police Department
This local agency is responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within the city of Dallas.
Jonathan Maples
He is a local resident who has actively participated in the search for the stolen statue by seeking security footage from the community.
The details
The thieves removed the 6-foot statue from its base, leaving behind only a concrete stump in the Elm Thicket/Northpark area. Local resident Jonathan Maples has canvassed the neighborhood, requesting home security footage to aid the investigation.
Timeline
The Hilliard Memorial Golf Course was established in 1950.
The statue was officially installed on June 19, 2026.
The theft reportedly occurred overnight on September 24, 2026.
Dallas police received the formal report of the theft on September 30, 2026.
Legal Context
The theft of this historical marker highlights the ongoing struggle to protect cultural assets in urban neighborhoods. This incident follows a pattern of vandalism targeting monuments in the U.S. that commemorate significant African American history.
Residents in the Elm Thicket/Northpark neighborhood are encouraged to check their home security cameras for footage from the night of September 24. Any information regarding the statue should be reported to local authorities to assist in the recovery efforts.
The takeaway
Preserving neighborhood history requires vigilance and active participation from residents in reporting suspicious activity. Community members can assist by ensuring home security cameras are operational and sharing relevant footage with local law enforcement.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations on the Dallas Property Crime section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
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