Months after four decades-old bronze statues were stolen from a Freeport backyard, the owner says he still has hope for their recovery.
The four sculptures were made in Italy almost 70 years ago. Each is worth about $30,000, weighs 150 pounds and stands 4 feet tall.
For decades, they stood beneath a marble fountain on a property now owned by Charlie Venticinque.
"They were my father's pride and joy," he says.
The theft was apparently well-planned and probably involved more than one suspect, Venticinque says. The thieves had the tools and knowledge to dismantle and remove them without anyone noticing.
"They cut all of the pipes, all of the tubes, the water lines going through it," the victim says. "I hope they're found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Nassau police say anyone with information about the theft should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.