Statue theft blamed on PandaMania

'We just want our panda back'

Missing: 250 pound plastic-composite sculpture and its 650 pound concrete base.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- PandaMania seems to have infected someone just a little too much.

Officials said Thursday that one of the panda sculptures dotting the streets of the nation's capital this summer has been stolen. It is by far the worst crime to hit the PandaMania exhibit, with other sculptures suffering from vandalism.

"We just want our panda back," said Dorothy McSweeny, chairwoman of the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The organization is offering a $1,000 reward for its return.

The weekend disappearance of the 250 pound plastic composite sculpture entitled "Climbing Pandas" -- along with its 650 pound concrete base -- has baffled police and arts officials. It was taken from an incessantly busy street corner just north of downtown Washington, across from a major hotel.

Arts commission officials are considering rounding up the remaining pandas and placing them in a protective paddock to deter future thefts and vandalism.

"I'd hate to see that happen because they're out there to be seen, to showcase our artists and to say that this is an inviting city with wonderful, whimsical art projects," McSweeny said.