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Damaged statues were found at Divine Mercy Parish and Christ the Good Shepard, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. A statue of Mary, Joseph can be seen with holes in their faces and a beheaded baby Jesus. (Staff Photo by Cindy Hepner/South Jersey Times)

(Cindy Hepner)

Damaged statues were found at Divine Mercy Parish and Christ the Good Shepard in Vineland, early Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2014. St. Francis of Assisi statue was also beheaded. (Staff Photo by Cindy Hepner/South Jersey Times)

VINELAND — St. Joseph was cut in half, St. Francis lost his arms and several other statues were vandalized at two Vineland Catholic churches, according to reports.

Vineland police officers were dispatched Thursday to Christ The Good Shepherd Parish at Sacred Heart Church on Landis Avenue for a reported criminal mischief complaint, authorities said.

Sometime during the night, according to police, unknown subjects vandalized

Damaged statues were found at Divine Mercy Parish and Christ the Good Shepard early Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2014. The statue St. Joseph was cut in half. The top portion is lying on the ground next to the base. (Staff Photo by Cindy Hepner/South Jersey Times)

statues on the property.

According to Peter Feuerherd, spokesman for the Diocese of Camden, damage included a statue of St. Joseph cut in half.

“This was a violent act against the statues and what they represent,” Feuerherd said. “This wasn’t some kind of prank.”

A few hours later, police were dispatched against to Divine Mercy Parish on Chestnut Avenue for further reports of vandalism.

The damage included a statue of St. Francis with his head and arms cut off and a defaced statue of the holy family.

Mary and Joseph’s heads were damaged and — held in the Virgin Mary’s arms — is a now headless Jesus.

“The intentions were warped,” Feuerherd said. “This is an act of a disturbed person.”

Incidents of statue vandalism happens sporadically, according to the spokesperson, including an incident at St. Mary’s Church, in Malaga, on Sept. 19 when several statues were similarly damaged.

The Diocese of Camden must contact its insurance companies about repairing or replacing the statues, according to Feuerherd.

Police are investigating the vandalism and request anyone with information to contact the department at 856-691-4111.

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Contact staff writer Don E. Woods at 856-451-1000, ext. 518 or dwoods@southjerseymedia.com