[MSN] Bad karma expected for Buddha thieves

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Bad karma expected for Buddha thieves

STUART, Fla., May 23 (UPI) -- Thieves apparently unenlightened on the
Buddhist concept of karma have stolen a heavy statue of a smiling rotund
Buddha from a Florida restaurant. 

The gold-colored sculpture was noticed missing Monday morning from outside
the Sakura Restaurant and Steak House of Japan in Stuart, north of West Palm
Beach. 

"I don't think it's lucky if you stole the Buddha," steakhouse owner Ako
Tarallo told the Stuart News 

The 3-foot, 6-inch statue had been in front of the restaurant for six years
in a simple rock garden atop a fountain. 

Police are investigating, as the Buddha cost $1,500 when Tarallo bought it,
the report said. 

And investigators are certain the thief was not working alone, as the Buddha
weighed 600 pounds. 

"It's definitely like a three-man work," Tarallo said.

http://www.upi.com/