Sculptures stolen from Wynwood arts area

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A neighborhood is saying "oh deer" after some unique pieces of art have suddenly gone missing.

The gorgeous sculptures were stolen, and now the hunt is on for whose responsible.

When you think of an art thief, you probably think of a criminal mastermind breaking into a museum, targeting a classic by Rembrandt or Van Gogh. But this South Florida caper is an entirely different animal.

The Wynwood Arts District in Miami is home to some of the most famous works of wall art in the world. Including a baby Hulk, amazing murals and now an endangered species. "They were positioned amongst the boulders here," Marlo Courtney, managing director of Goldman Properties, said.

But they're not there any more. Either, the target of thieves ... or perhaps poachers. You see, this isn't your average art theft. It's an abduction. "They very, very much look like regular deer except they have a camouflage coating on them," said Courtney, who helps manage the Wynwood Walls Project.

You heard right. Three deer sculptures once nestled in a quiet park have been pulled from their home. "They are part of our very important and significant art installation here," said Courtney. "We have some of the most incredible street art in the world."

The deer were designed by the artist Ron English. Each one weighs about 75 pounds. And they weren't just loaded up, the crooks had to lift each four-legged sculpture up-and-over an 8-foot fence.

But the decorative deer are far from freedom. In fact, Courtney thinks, they'll be hard to hide. "These are very unique pieces, and I'm sure anybody that has been to the Wynwood Wall and has seen them would certainly recognize them if they've spotted them somewhere else."

Police are looking into the crime. But, Courtney said, this does not have to end in an arrest. "Anyone who would want to return the deer to us, there would be no repercussions. We just want to get the deer back."

So, for now, he's asking everyone to keep their eyes open, and be on the lookout for art on the run.

The Wynwood Kitchen, a restaurant in the area, is offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of the deer. To contact them, head Wynwood Kitchen's website, linked above.

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