Wagon train robberies are alive and well in the wild West.

Only these days, it’s not the cargo that bandits want.

Bandits made off with six wagon wheels Thursday night at Hornbek Homestead at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. 

And homestead officials want their wheels back.

The Teller County Sheriff, antique stores and auctioneers are on the lockout for the wheels that have found a modern-day purpose as yard decorations. The value of the wheels was not available Friday.

Two wheels damaged during the heist remained at the scene of the crime. The wagons also were damaged.

The homestead acquired the wagons in 1976 as part of the restoration by the National Park Service. One wagon is from the original homestead property now occupied by the national monument.  

Anyone with information about the robbery should call the monument office: 719-748-3253.

Scene of Thursday’s wagon wheel heist at Hornbek Homestead at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Teller County. Robbers stole six wheels, but left the two damaged in the robbery. Photo by Courtesy photo

A broken wheel left behind in Thursday’s Teller County theft. Photo by Courtesy photo