A valuable bronze sculpture stolen from a cemetery in Schmilau, located in the Duchy of Lauenburg district, has been successfully recovered after being missing for ten months. The artwork, titled 'The Reading Girl' and created by renowned sculptor Karlheinz Goedtke, was stolen from the cemetery grounds in February and has now been returned to the local church community.
The breakthrough in the case came three weeks ago when the Berlin State Criminal Police Office (LKA Berlin) contacted the church congregation with remarkable news. Investigators had discovered the stolen bronze sculpture along with approximately 80 other valuable artworks during a raid on suspected art thieves. The criminal group had been attempting to sell the collection of stolen sculptures when their operation was exposed.
The art theft ring was uncovered when a potential buyer became suspicious of the offerings and contacted law enforcement authorities. This tip led police to the criminals' location, where they recovered the extensive collection of stolen artwork. Prosecutors have since filed charges against the suspects involved in the art theft operation.
The bronze sculpture depicts a young girl reading and is estimated to be worth approximately 20,000 euros (roughly $21,000). The valuable artwork represents both artistic and sentimental value to the Schmilau community. Members of the church council have already traveled to Berlin to personally retrieve the recovered sculpture and bring it back to their hometown.
The church community is now faced with an important decision regarding the sculpture's future placement. Church officials are currently deliberating whether to reinstall 'The Reading Girl' in its original location at the cemetery or to place it in a more secure location to prevent future theft. The discussion reflects the community's desire to honor the artwork's intended purpose while ensuring its safety and preservation for future generations.
