Thieves take Jesus statue from church cross

[almaty 19]

DETROIT, Michigan (AP) -- Thieves who stole an 8-foot statue of Jesus Christ off a crucifix in Detroit may have been seeking copper to sell as scrap. Problem is, it's made of plaster.

Thieves ripped an 8-foot plaster statue of Jesus Christ from a wooden cross at a Detroit, Michigan, church.

1 of 2 The Rev. Barry Randolph said Wednesday that the statue at the Church of the Messiah is green and looks like copper, one of several metals coveted by thieves because of soaring scrap prices.

Thieves have damaged copper pipes and stolen aluminum gutters at the church over the past few months, said Donya Ray-Gregg, a member of the congregation, which over the years has dwindled from about 350 members to 50.

It's unclear when the statue was snatched. A parishioner noticed it missing Monday from its perch on the side of the church, 10 feet above the ground. A small piece of plaster was found nearby.

The church has made a public plea for help.

"It is so crazy," Randolph said. "It's been there for so long and was a symbol of hope to a lot of people in this neighborhood."

Police were investigating, but department spokesman James Tate said it was doubtful thieves had mistaken the plaster statue for copper.

"People who steal copper know what copper is and what it feels like," Tate said. "There is no way they would think a plaster statue is some type of metal."

[Nagishkaw 510]

Maybe they needed a Saviour .

[almaty 19]

they stoop to the lowest level

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Wouldnt it just be easier to get a job? Sheesh!

[Nagishkaw 510]

You would think so.

[almaty 19]

i agree brother marc, ripping out pipes in homes and stealing copper ..sounds like work and with risks....

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

If it's made of plaster - wouldn't it be relatively easy to cast another one?

[SaadBell 0]

i agree brother marc, ripping out pipes in homes and stealing copper ..sounds like work and with risks....

Gee I am just tired reading about it

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Last I checked, copper doesnt crumble, Idjuts

[almaty 19]

i agree..i think the ploice called it..they were did not think it was cooper..probably punks on dope, did it for shits and giggles