SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Copper thieves have struck at Abraham Lincoln’s burial site in Springfield, Ill.

An employee recently noticed that a copper statue atop the tomb was missing a 3-foot-long sword. The statue is of a Civil War artillery officer.

The sword was allegedly taken sometime between September and early November. It was broken at the handle.

Dave Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, told the State Journal-Register that the sword is believed to be first state property stolen at the Lincoln Tomb Historic Site since the same sword was stolen more than a century ago.

State officials plan to repair the statue.

A guard used to be stationed at the tomb overnight, but Blanchette said the position was cut amid budget problems.