Thieves have stolen a gold-plated angel figure from the Engesohde city cemetery in southern Hanover.
According to estimates, the sculpture is worth around 20,000 euros, a spokesman for the city of Hanover said on Monday.
The historical and ideal value is even higher.
The "Hannoversche Allgemeine" had previously reported.
Hanover – The approximately 85 centimeter tall figure was placed on a pedestal in a fountain basin.
According to the city, it was visible from afar and was almost a trademark of the cemetery.
The listed figure by an unknown artist is said to have been made around the turn of the century.
It has been in the cemetery for at least 120 years.
According to the police, an employee of the city administration noticed the disappearance on Monday.
He had previously last seen the character in early February.
According to investigators, the perpetrators must have dismantled the sculpture because the figure was fixed in place with gold-plated nuts.
The nuts are gone now too.
The police are looking for witnesses who can provide information about the disappearance of the angel.
dpa