Stolen lawn sign for world’s last Blockbuster recovered by police, returned to store, which won’t press charges

'It was definitely a group effort, and all of it paid off,' store manager says

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After being stolen earlier this month, sparking dismay far and wide, the world's last Blockbuster now has its long-time lawn sign back.

Nearly three weeks ago, store General Manager Sandi Harding made it known the sign had been swiped from the front lawn of the store on Northeast Revere Avenue. She didn't file a police report but hoped by spreading the word on social media, the sign which had been in place some 20 years would be returned.

NewsChannel 21 learned after receiving a tip that Bend Police were able to recover the sign and return it to the store. Blockbuster management didn't press charges.

"I was elated," Harding said, "it was so great, and I was so excited about how much everyone and the community's efforts and, you know, all across the country, everybody was sharing our posts. And it was definitely a group effort, and all of it paid off."

Carlson Sign Co. of Bend had already made and given the store a replacement sign, for free, after the original was taken, as they still had the original renderings from 1999.

That means the identical replacement sign will stay on the front lawn, while the iconic original sign is now on display inside the store, to keep it safe.