Is nothing sacred? Virgin Mary stolen

The Virgin Mary statue that has watched over St Joseph’s Church on Aberdeen Street for about 35 years has been stolen.

According to parish priest Father Jorge DeChavez, the church is unsure of exactly when the statue was taken, but it was noticed missing on Sunday, July 21 and reported to the police.

“It was a shock when we noticed it and we are very disappointed that someone went to such an effort to steal it,” he said.

Parish member Hans Fick said the white statue of the Biblical icon stood at roughly three feet tall.

“It’s a sad story when you have to bolt things down. Is nothing sacred?” he asked.

“Mary is special to the church and our faith, she is the mother of Christ. We respect others’ belief here and we expect the same in return.”

Since the statue was discovered missing, the parish has appealed to surrounding businesses for CCTV footage and to the public for witnesses.

Sergeant Andrew Smith from Albany Police Station said there had been no tip offs as yet and they were appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Mr Fick said the parish simply wanted the statue returned.

“We want it back. If someone out there has it, please return it, no questions asked.”