SALT LAKE CITY (Utah), Dec 7: Stolen clothing due to be worn by International Olympic Committee (IOC) members at the Salt Lake City Winter Games in February was recovered on Thursday, said police.

The clothing, worth approximately $30,000 and which included 40 distinctive coats and jackets, was found floating in a canal.

Police speculated the thieves probably dumped the items because of the extensive news coverage the theft had received.

Although many of the articles were still in the original plastic wrapping and undamaged, the Salt Lake Organising Committee (SLOC) said they would destroy the merchandise and have it replaced.

“The police felt that after all the news coverage the thieves panicked and threw the boxes in the river,” said SLOC spokesperson Linda Lucetti. “It wasn’t a security concern for us but it is nice to get it back.”

The theft raised questions about Games security but SLOC quickly dismissed any links to a terrorist plot and suggestions that the clothing could be used to access secure areas.

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington, security has become the number one issue for SLOC, with nearly $250 million budgeted for the protection of athletes and spectators.

The Winter Olympics begin on February 8.—Reuters