Millions in Artworks Are Stolen; Theft May Be Biggest Ever in Reno

Police are investigating what they say may be the city’s biggest burglary, involving the theft of millions of dollars in paintings, jewelry and porcelain from a home in the gated Lakeridge community in southwest Reno.

“This is unusual. We don’t see this in this town,” said Detective Todd Shipley.

Investigators said they still were tallying the loss from the home of Polly Michailoff, 89, the widow of Nevada rancher and gaming tycoon Howard Farris.

“It was so terrible to come home and see the frames on the floor with no pictures in them,” Michailoff said.

The home did not have an alarm system and none of the items were insured.

“As you get older, things lose their importance,” she said.

Investigators think the theft took place about two months ago. It was not reported until May 28, when Michailoff returned home from a trip out of state.

Police said nothing about the burglary until they could find a suspect for questioning. But that person was cleared, so they announced the crime.

They add that the thief will have trouble fencing the unique artworks.

Shipley said a local antiques dealer told him the items taken would not be commonly available in Reno.