Vandals quick to attack Miami Beach snail art

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Who would want to harm the plastic, pink snails of Miami Beach?

Police are investigating the vandalism of several of the 45 giant art pieces displayed around South Beach as part of an international art fair. So far, at least eight have been targeted, including one that was thrown into Biscayne Bay. Several others were tagged with graffiti.

Galleria Ca' d'Oro and the Cracking Art Group brought the snails to town ahead of last week's Art Basel Miami Beach fair, and they'll stay on display until Jan. 3. They're made of recycled plastic and meant to make people think about the environment.

Gallery co-owner Glorida Porcella says the snails have previously been on exhibit in Rome and Paris. She says there has never been a situation like the one in Miami Beach.