The Peace Pole in William B. Sharpe Park. The picture was provided by the City of East Lansing.
The Peace Pole, which was stolen from an East Lansing park Oct. 22, was returned to its original location, according to an update from city officials.
The Peace Pole is located in William B. Sharpe Park and is one of more than 200,000 worldwide. The wooden pole displays the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in 12 different languages.
East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) agreed not to investigate if the pole was returned to the park. As the Peace Pole was anonymously returned, ELPD will not investigate who stole it.
A member of the East Lansing Department of Public Works and Environmental Services noticed the pole was returned, according to Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez.
The motive for taking the pole, which was donated to the city in 2014, is unclear. Gonzalez said when city property is stolen and a press release is issued for its return, it is often meant as a joke.
"Someone thinks it's funny, obviously it's not funny," Gonzalez said. "...They weren't trying to steal it to gain any profit from the item."
ELPD appreciates the anonymous return, Gonzalez said.
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