FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Two people broke the arm of a Poseidon statue and stole its trident early Tuesday morning -- the third trident to be stolen in similar fashion in recent months, according to the Fernandina Beach Police Department.
The front yard statue sits at Paradiso at 3036 South Fletcher Ave.
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During the most recent incident, the vandals caused such a significant amount of damage that the owners are now considering having the statue removed.
Because these incidents of felony vandalism and theft have persisted, local law enforcement officials have the added concern that the offenders may be personally targeting the residents of Paradiso.
"In addition, based on evidence left at the scene, as well as the nature of the thefts, we remain concerned that the suspects might view their actions as a harmless prank, not fully understanding the gravity of their behavior or the financial or emotional impact that these thefts have caused the owners of the statue," police said in a news release.
The vandals left a taunting note affixed to the statue, leading investigators to believe that the thefts may be resolved once students return to college, police said.
"Many college fraternities utilize the trident to symbolize their connection and visual association with Greek mythology," the news release read.