Mission Bells Missing

Thieves have stolen El Camino Real Mission Bells.The bells line the routes between California’s 21 missions.There used to be several hundred of them lining El Camino Real or Kings Road.Although they were not built in order, David Bolton says the missions were built roughly a days journey apart by horseback.Bolton is the President of the California Mission Studies Association.Now there are only about 75 bells left.Replacements are made of concrete to prevent theft.But at least three have been reported missing in Ventura County.CalTrans is urging anyone who sees someone tampering with Mission Bells to report the suspicious activity.For more information on the Bells log onto: California Mission Studies