Florida city's snails targeted by vandals

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MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Police in Florida said at least eight of the 45 giant pink snails in Miami Beach for an art event were targeted by vandals, including one thrown into the water.

Gloria Porcella, co-owner of Galleria Ca' d'Oro, which is backing Italy's Cracking Art Group in the project, which involved pink snails made from recycled plastic being placed around town, said nearly every day since the Art Basel festival began Dec. 2 has been marked with reports of more vandalized snails, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.

Porcella said one snail was damaged by a "punch," two were tagged with graffiti, multiple snails were tipped over and one was "launched in the water" at Biscayne Bay.

Police said they are investigating the incidents.

Porcella said the snails are scheduled to stay in place until Jan. 3.