NEWARK, N.J. — Newark authorities are asking for the public’s help identifying a man caught on video stealing a statue of the Virgin Mary from a residential lawn in the city’s North Ward on Sunday, April 27.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., the theft occurred around 4:45 p.m. in the 400 block of Highland Avenue. Surveillance footage shows the suspect walking south on Highland Avenue from Ballantine Parkway, entering a yard, taking the statue, and fleeing southbound on foot toward Berkeley Avenue.
The statue is described as 3 feet tall and valued at $600. It was reportedly taken in full view of home security cameras.
Detectives describe the suspect as a middle-aged man with a short stature and stocky build. He has gray, bushy hair and was last seen wearing a beige jacket and black pants.
Director Miranda urged anyone with information to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS. Tips can be provided anonymously.
Key points
- Virgin Mary statue stolen from a home on Highland Avenue on April 27
- Suspect described as stocky, middle-aged man with gray, bushy hair
- Police seek public’s help in identifying the suspect captured on video
Surveillance video shows theft in progress
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for additional leads. The statue has not been recovered.
The incident marks the latest in a series of residential property thefts that Newark police are actively investigating. Officials did not indicate whether this theft is believed to be part of a larger pattern.
Residents in the area are being asked to check any additional home surveillance recordings around the time of the incident that might aid the investigation.