Authorities in North Jersey are looking for a man who allegedly stole a large statue of the Virgin Mary.

Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., says that at about 4:45 Sunday afternoon, April 27th, a victim reported that the statue was stolen from the lawn of a home on the 400 block of Highland Avenue.

Police say the unidentified man was seen on surveillance video walking southbound on Highland Avenue from Ballantine Parkway before walking onto the victim’s lawn, picking up the statue, and fleeing southbound on foot towards Berkeley Avenue.

The statue is three feet tall and valued at $600.

Man wanted for allegedly stealing a statue of Virgin Mary in Newark NJ - Photo: Newark NJ Dept of Public Safety / Canva
Man wanted for allegedly stealing a statue of Virgin Mary in Newark NJ - Photo: Newark NJ Dept of Public Safety / Canva
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Detectives investigating the incident describe the suspect as middle-aged with a short stature and stocky build. He also has gray, bushy hair, and was wearing a beige jacket and black pants.

Man wanted for allegedly stealing a statue of Virgin Mary in Newark NJ - Photo: Newark NJ Dept of Public Safety / Canva
Man wanted for allegedly stealing a statue of Virgin Mary in Newark NJ - Photo: Newark NJ Dept of Public Safety / Canva
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Anyone with information is asked to call Newark's Crime Stopper tip line at (877) NWK-TIPS (877/695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are confidential and could result in a reward.

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