Library Statue Stolen, Likely Sold for Scrap

Police say statue may be sold for scrap value. (Boston Globe, 5/5/2011)

Excerpt:  For almost a decade, the barefoot and pigtailed girl could be seen holding a book in front of the Revere Public Library. But sometime on Easter Sunday, police believe thieves pried the 60-pound bronze statue from its marble base with the thought of selling it to a scrap metal shop.

“I’m disappointed,’’ said Revere Mayor Tom Ambrosino, who noted that the theft of the statue was the latest robbery targeting public property that could be scrapped for cash. In the last two years, Ambrosino said, people have stolen guard rails, fire hydrant caps, and manhole covers. Even a tidal gate that was installed to prevent flooding at Revere Beach was stolen. “It’s a sign of the times. People are stealing anything that has metal or copper in it.’’

Currently, the state does not regulate the second-hand purchase of metals and leaves it up to municipalities to establish ordinances.