Unknown thieves have stolen several bronze animal figures from a beloved fountain in downtown Grevenbroich, Germany, prompting local authorities to file criminal charges and launch an investigation. The city's public works department has reported the theft to police, who have begun searching for the perpetrators of what appears to be a professionally executed crime.

The city issued a public appeal on Tuesday morning, asking witnesses who may have observed suspicious activity around the market square in recent days to come forward with information for police. Officials are particularly interested in any unusual behavior or vehicles seen near the fountain during the timeframe when the theft occurred.

Authorities believe the crime was carried out by experts, as the stolen figures were "professionally dismounted and transported" according to city officials. Each of the bronze sculptures weighs approximately 110 pounds, making their removal a significant undertaking that would have required specialized knowledge and equipment. The professional manner of the theft suggests the perpetrators had experience with similar operations.

Four bronze animal figures have disappeared from the fountain: a dog, goat, pig, and horse. Three other sculptures remain in place: a peacock, cow, and cat. The selective nature of the theft has puzzled investigators, who are working to determine why certain animals were targeted while others were left behind.

The animal fountain ensemble holds special significance for Grevenbroich residents, having been created in 1980 by Aachen sculptor Bonifatius Stirnberg. The artwork originally stood near St. Peter and Paul Church until the pedestrian zone was redesigned in the 1990s, when the fountain was relocated to its current prominent position in the city center.

The sculptures have been carefully maintained over the years through community effort and civic pride. In 2013, local citizens organized a fundraising campaign to repair and restore the individual bronze elements, demonstrating the deep connection residents feel to this public art installation. The community's investment in preserving the fountain makes the recent theft particularly painful for locals.

Recognizing the popularity of the animal figures, especially among children, city officials had recently installed small benches near the sculptures to encourage interaction and create a more welcoming environment. The fountain has become a gathering place for families and a cherished landmark that represents the community's commitment to public art and cultural heritage.

Police are treating this as a serious theft case, given both the monetary value of the bronze sculptures and their cultural importance to the community. Investigators are exploring various leads and examining whether this crime might be connected to other art thefts in the region. The professional nature of the operation suggests the stolen pieces may have been targeted for their metal value or for sale in illegal art markets.