Police probe new Maltese Falcon mystery

Police are looking for this replica of the statue used in the "Maltese Falcon" movie. It was stolen from a bar over the weekend.

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Police are searching for clues to solve the case of the missing Maltese Falcon, which was apparently stolen from one of San Francisco's most famous restaurants.

The owners of John's Grill are offering a $25,000 reward for the recovery of the coveted replica of the original statues used in the 1941film starring Humphrey Bogart as detective Sam Spade.

John Konstin, the restaurant's owner, said a thief pried open the display case late Saturday or early Sunday and made off with the plaster bird as well as at least 15 vintage books, including signed copies of the Dashiell Hammett novel on which the film was based,

Police were investigating the scene of the crime and looking for clues, Konstin said.

The two original Maltese Falcon statues used in the 1941 film remain safe in the hands of their owners.

John's Grill, which bills itself as "Home of the Maltese Falcon," was a favorite haunt of Hammett and his fictional detective Sam Spade.