Is nothing sacred anymore?
Crows Nest’s Virgin Mary statue stolen
A RELIGIOUS display in a small town north of Toowoomba has been targeted by thieves, with police baffled at the brazenness of the crime.
A bolted-down statue of the Virgin Mary has been stolen from the nativity scene set up in Crows Nest some time between Friday night and Saturday morning.
The theft has left a gaping hole in the display set up by St Matthew’s Parish which has been a regular fixture in Centenary Park around Christmas for years.
Crows Nest police Senior Constable Greg Porter said the theft would have taken at least two people to break the bolts and carry the statue made of cast aluminium.
“It would have taken a few people to steal it,” he said.
“Surely someone would notice, though, if the statue was carried away.
“The statue is aluminium and is worth a substantial amount to replace.”
Snr Const. Porter said the park was not covered by CCTV cameras which meant solving the theft would rely heavily on information from the public.
He said Toowoomba Regional Council lodged a report with Policelink after the theft was discovered by workers at the weekend.
It is believed the statue was taken between 2pm on Friday, and 8am on Saturday.
The statue is about 1m tall and kneeling over baby Jesus with hands together as if praying.
The theft follows the wilful destruction of Christmas tree displays in Stanthorpe and Tara in recent weeks, and damages to light displays on private residences and public buildings in Toowoomba.
Two Stanthorpe men were charged with damaging their town’s tree on Sunday, with one apologising on social media for the crime after he was identified on CCTV.
A Western Downs teen, 15, was cautioned by police after snapping the 3m Christmas tree at Tara in half early last week.
“Council are deeply disappointed in this selfish act of a few dampening the Christmas cheer for everyone in the community,” Western Downs Regional Council said in a statement posted on social media.
The teen was arrested but not formally charged with the offence.
The Darling Downs Region Scout headquarters was struck by unknown Grinches about 7.15pm Monday, with lights and a train stolen from the premises in Newtown.
If you can help reunite Mary with her family, phone 131 444.