Police arrest suspects in figurine theft in Targówek

26 February 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Two men have been charged after a 1981 statue of the Mother of God was taken from a shrine outside a block on ul. Syrokomli in Warsaw’s Targówek. Police continue to seek the missing figurine and urge residents to come forward with information.

Police investigators have detained two suspects in connection with the theft of a religious figurine, a 1981 statue of the Mother of God taken from a small shrine on the lawn outside a block on ul. Syrokomli in Warsaw. The word figurine matters here: beyond its material value, the stolen statue holds cultural and emotional significance for local residents.

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What happened

According to local authorities, detectives from the unit known as Kryminalni z Targówka worked the case after the statue was reported missing from the small roadside chapel on the grass in front of the building. Two 37-year-old men were arrested and have already been formally charged in relation to the theft. Officers say they are still searching for the missing figurine and have issued an appeal to neighbours and passers-by for any information that could lead to its recovery.

Investigation and legal context

The investigation is being handled by the Warsaw district police — Policja — and remains active. In Poland, theft is prosecuted as a criminal offence and penalties depend on circumstances such as the value of the stolen item, whether the act involved violence or repeat offending, and the motivation behind it. While a small religious statue may not be high in market value, its cultural and communal importance can influence public reaction and investigative priority.

Why this matters to residents and expats

For many Poles, street-side chapels and small shrines are part of everyday neighbourhood life: they mark religious traditions, act as community landmarks and often have sentimental value across generations. The removal of such an object can be felt as a direct affront to local identity and cohesion. For expats, this story highlights a few practical points: petty crime can target symbols as well as property; community-led security and reporting make a difference; and cooperating with local authorities is the usual route to resolution.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, small religious shrines and statues are common outside apartment blocks and along streets. They are typically maintained by residents or local parishes and are considered part of the public space. If you witness a crime or have information, contact the local Policja station or call the European emergency number 112. For non-urgent tips you can approach a neighbourhood police station in person. Reporting helps investigators and supports community trust; anonymous tips are also possible in many cases.

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