GLENDALE : ‘Roger Rabbit’ Artwork Theft Investigated

Police were investigating the theft of a valuable, hand-painted animation cel from a publishing arm of the Walt Disney Co., according to authorities.

The missing cel is believed to have been used in the Disney movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”

The $2,800 artwork titled “Jessica’s Debut” shows Roger Rabbit’s wife dressed in red and making a stage appearance, according to Glendale police.

Disney officials declined to release details about the artwork.

According to a police report filed last week, the item was last seen May 12 in a package on a patio delivery area at Disney Art Editions, 510 Rodier St., Glendale. The firm prints limited-edition re-creations of Disney-animated film art.

The package never arrived at its destination, said Officer Rod Brooks. Security officials did not notice the item missing until June 1.

“The place has over 40 employees, five different courier services,” Brooks said. “It’s very difficult to say at this point who may have taken it. This is unusual.”