$30,000 Virgin Mary statue returned

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- A bronze statue of the Virgin Mary stolen from a church in Newport Beach, Calif., has been returned, police say.

Newport Beach Police Lt. Craig Fox said the $30,000 statue was pried off its base and taken from in front of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church Friday, The Orange County (Calif.) Register reported.

The Los Angeles Times said a Tustin, Calif., woman phoned police Wednesday morning, saying she found the statue on her lawn.

The work by sculptor Victor Salmones had been donated to the church nearly eight years ago.

The statue was returned undamaged, the Times said.

Police told the Register the thieves may have stolen the bronze sculpture to sell to an area recycling center.