The NYPD was outside Resurrection Roman Catholic Church in Gerritsen Beach Wednesday investigating after a religious statue was vandalized.

Police officers put up posters asking for information for the person they say defaced the Virgin Mary statue outside the church.

Police say the suspect knocked off one of the statue’s hands, which was still in the bushes Wednesday. News 12 is told it happened sometime between Sept. 26 and this past Monday.

"I'm saddened by it because I just don't feel it's necessary that people deface religious articles," says Lorraine O'Conner, a parishioner.

News 12 is told the hate crimes task force has been notified. Anyone with information is asked to call police.