The statues of a woman drinking and a lion’s head water feature were key decorative pieces at Manjit’s Indian Restaurant.

At the time of their theft in the early hours of Sunday, August 25, the objects had been temporarily moved to outside an employee’s residence in Gilbert Street while restaurant renovations were under way.

Manjit’s owner Satvinder Pal (Bittu) Singh said they were left outside the house because it was believed they were too heavy for anyone to steal.

‘‘They’re my favourite,’’ Mr Singh said.

‘‘I can’t find [similar ones] anywhere. I’ve gone to Google, I’ve been searching everywhere to try to find something.’’ 

He said the statues were valued at $10,000 each.

Wollongong acting crime manager Detective Inspector Darren Kelly said police were investigating the thefts, and urged anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers.

He said police had conducted a doorknock but had been unable to find any witnesses.

Sam Williams, of Williams Scrap Metals, said high quality brass used to make statues would be worth between $3 and $4 a kilo.

He said it was unlikely the statues would be recovered in one piece.

‘‘I reckon what they’d try to do...would be to try and get rid of it straight away,’’ he said.

Mr Williams said the thieves would probably attempt to sell cut up pieces of brass to unscrupulous scrap metal dealers.