Thieves steal statues from nonprofit

Opportunity knocks. But thieves typically don't bother, they just take.

That's what staff at Opportunity Village found Tuesday morning, when they discovered two bronze statues missing from the campus on Oakey Boulevard near Jones Boulevard.

The statues are worth an estimated $10,000 each. But because of their sentimental value, said Linda Smith, chief development officer at Opportunity Village, they are priceless to the staff and volunteers at the nonprofit, which teaches vocational skills and finds work for mentally challenged people.

"It makes me sick to my stomach," she said.

One of the statues, a bronze angel, was taken from in front of the building. It was known as the "guardian angel" of Opportunity Village, and staff and volunteers would rub its wings for good luck, Smith said.

The other statue featured a pair of life-size children posed on a bench. The work of art was bolted to the bench, Smith said.

The bronze statues probably were taken between 8 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Opportunity Village turned over surveillance video to Las Vegas police, who were investigating the theft.

Smith said she thinks the thieves stole the statues to melt them down and sell the metal.

The thought of the works of art being destroyed sickened her, she said, because they were dedicated to Opportunity Village donors and had been at the property since 2003.

Opportunity Village is best known for the annual Magical Forest, an annual winter holiday attraction that features holiday-themed displays. The proceeds pay for programs at the nonprofit.

There have been several burglaries and incidents of vandalism at Opportunity Village.

About two years ago, the video surveillance system was stolen around Christmas time, Smith said.

In 2001, staff at Opportunity Village discovered about $20,000 worth of damage to the Magical Forest.

In 1997, a vandal smashed "Santa's castle" and stole more than 1 million lights and decorations.