Teruel.- The National Police delivered this morning to the Diocese of Teruel and Albarracín a religious image that had been taken from the parish of the neighborhood of La Virgen de la Vega, successfully completing an investigation that has allowed to locate and recover this piece of great devotional and patrimonial value for the neighbors.

The act of surrender was attended by the deputy delegate of the Government in Teruel, Enrique Gómez, the provincial chief commissioner of the National Police in Teruel, José Miguel Cañete, as well as several members of the Corps who participated in the recovery of the image.

On behalf of the Diocese of Teruel and Albarracín, the vicar general, Alfonso Belenguer Celma, and the parish priest of La Virgen de la Vega, Héctor Pérez, who is also responsible for the Mora de Rubielos Pastoral Unit, received the award.

The recovery of the image has been possible thanks to the investigation developed by the National Police, which has allowed to locate this size and return it to its legitimate custodians. The action highlights the effectiveness of police work in the protection of historical and cultural heritage, allowing a good of enormous significance for the community to return to the place to which it belongs. With this, the residents of the neighborhood of La Virgen de la Vega recover a symbol that is part of their history and traditions.

During the event, the subdelegate of the Government wanted to acknowledge the work done by the agents of the National Police, stressing that "this action demonstrates once again the professionalism and effectiveness of the National Police. Not only has a criminal act been clarified, but it has managed to return to the neighbors a part of their history and their collective memory. Protecting the historical and cultural heritage is also safeguarding what identifies a community and is part of its legacy."

For their part, leaders of the Diocese have thanked the work done by the National Police and the institutional collaboration that has made it possible for this religious image to return to the place to which it belongs, where it will again occupy the space that for years has been part of the religious and social life of the neighborhood.

The National Police recalls that the protection of historical and artistic heritage is one of its lines of action, constantly carrying out investigative work to prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural property and promote the recovery of those pieces that have been stolen.

The image will soon be returned to the parish of the neighborhood of La Virgen de la Vega, where it will again occupy the place that for years has been part of religious and social life. Its recovery allows to return to the neighbors a symbol deeply rooted in their collective memory and recover an important part of their historical, cultural and sentimental heritage.