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Copper Pipes Stolen In Latest Rash Of Vandalism To Hit N.J. Churches

HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- An unusual rash of vandalism has occurred at several Garden State churches and the latest case doesn't have anything to do with anything sacred.

Kenny Butka, the parish building manager for St Ann's church, told CBS 2's John Slattery that he inspected his building after hearing that Our Lady of Grace Church had been robbed of copper piping.

Butka noticed that St Ann's was missing 80 to 100 feet of copper piping. The estimated value of the piping is $400.

Rev. Alexander Santora of Our Lady of Grace Parish said that he heard a noise outside of his window late at night.

"So, I yelled out the window, 'Who's down there?  Who's down there?'" Santora said.

The thieves escaped with two spouts. Santora said he suspects that they will be sold as scrap.

Our Lady of Grace building manager Vinnie Rossi expressed his regret that thieves had made off with the piping.

"It's just good I wasn't here, if I saw 'em, they'd  have to lock me up," Rossi said.

Our Lady of Grace was featured in the Marlon Brando film classic, "On The Waterfront."

On Tuesday, CBS 2 reported on a bronze Staten Island war memorial plaque that was ripped off, possibly to be sold for scrap, and on Monday, CBS 2 reported on St. Nicholas Parish in Palisades Park.  It's patron saint lost it's head and staff to vandalism.

Hoboken police are in the process of locating neighborhood surveillance video to aid them in identifying the thieves.

You may add your thoughts on the latest robberies in our comments section below...

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