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Statue Stolen From Brooklyn Rectory Found In Trash Can, Returned To Church

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A statue reported stolen from a Brooklyn church last weekend has been found.

The statue was located in a trash can several blocks away from the Sts. Peter and Paul Rectory on South 3rd Street in Williamsburg. According to the Brooklyn Diocese, a young man found the statue and first brought it to his mother, and returned it after seeing news reports on the stolen object.

Surveillance video captured the thieves in the act on Saturday morning. They wrenched the statue from its base and then took off down South 3rd Street.

The 100-year-old statue depicts the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Reverend Mother Sister Bendita Diaz told WCBS 880's Rich Lamb the statue was only a little worse for the wear.

"Just his right hand is a little damaged and also the base of the statue, but it's really OK," she said. "It's in good condition. However, now it's being restored."

Incredibly, this was not the first time a statue was stolen from the church. One was taken in 2012 and had to be replaced.

Police are still investigating the theft.

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