Statue stolen from Boca Raton church

BOCA RATON, Fla. - A Boca Raton church is looking for three people it accuses of breaking the Commandment, 'Thou shall not steal.'

St. Jude's Catholic Church accused the trio of removing a statue of its patron saint.

It was found the next morning in the canal near church grounds.

"It was disturbing for parishioners that the statue was thrown in the canal, and it was disturbing for parishioners to see the pictures we put up that it was three teenagers," says Father Michael Kissane.

Church leaders have video of three people on its property at the time the statue was stolen. And one of the scenes shows a girl running while holding a life-like statue over her shoulder.

"It's not an expensive statue, but it's one of the first we ever had at this parish, even before we had a church," says Father Michael Driscoll.

The church maintenance staff says once it gives the statue a new coat of paint, and reattach the walking stick it held, it will be bolted to the ground in the same spot.

The surveillance video was turned over to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators do not have any leads. If you recognize anyone, you are urged to call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458 TIPS.