Police released a photo of the missing limited edition Sidney Crosby photo. (RCMP)

A man stole a hockey star's autographed photo from a Tim Hortons in southern Alberta and darted across the Trans-Canada Highway to make his getaway.

The man walked into a Strathmore Tim Hortons on Monday at 12:40 a.m., waited until staff wasn't looking, and snatched a framed Sidney Crosby picture off the wall, said the RCMP on Wednesday.

"When staff were at the far end of the counter, [he] grabbed the Sidney Crosby framed print that was on the wall — was actually anchored into the wall with screws — and he pulled it right out of the wall, including the anchors, and ran out the store door," said company spokesman David Morelli.

He then ran across the Trans-Canada Highway with the picture and was last seen entering a KFC parking lot.

Police described the picture of the Pittsburgh Penguins star as a 30-centimetre by 45-centimetre autographed limited edition Sidney Crosby photo print.

Witnesses said the thief was a clean-shaven Caucasian in his early 20s who was about six feet tall and 180 pounds, with light hair cut short.

Strathmore is about 45 kilometres east of Calgary.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Strathmore RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).