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Remote-controlled balloon stolen during Balloon Fiesta warehouse break-in
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A Patriot was stolen late Thursday. Recovery remains uncertain.
Nearly $10,000 worth of equipment, including a remote-controlled balloon named Patriot, was stolen from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s warehouse, officials with the fiesta said.
A full remote-control (RC) balloon kit, including the envelope, basket, remote control and inflation fan, was stolen, according to Stephanie Kitts, communication manager for the Balloon Fiesta.
RC balloons, affectionally called globitos, are scaled-down hot air balloons that come in special shapes or standard designs. A remote control operates the propane burner inside the basket that heats the air to fly the small balloons.
There are 90 that have participated in the Balloon Fiesta before, but Patriot is one of only three owned by the Balloon Fiesta. Judi Rice of Albuquerque has piloted Patriot several times in the past.
Kitts said the lost equipment is estimated to cost $8,000 to $10,000.
Surveillance photos shared on the Balloon Fiesta’s social media show a person with a wheelbarrow who is suspected of stealing the equipment from the warehouse. A photo of the suspect’s vehicle was also posted online.
“At this point, we are most concerned with getting the balloon back,” she said. “If this person reaches out to us or returns the balloon anonymously, it’s no questions asked. We just really want the balloon back.”
Kitts said based on the photo, the Balloon Fiesta does not believe the suspect is someone “familiar to us.”
The Balloon Fiesta is asking anyone with information to reach out to them at balloons@balloonfiesta.com or 505-821-1000.
