‘The Shining Stone', stainless steel, by Jo Naden

‘Joyance', bronze, 1899, by Sir William Goscombe John

'Wild boar', bronze, by Marjan Wouda

WWI War Memorial, Blackley, Greater Manchester

The Auchengeich Miner, bronze, by John McKenna

Horse statue stolen from
Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire

'Douglas Dragonflies', bronze. 2001 by Joanne Risley

Statue stolen from a garden in Hartfield Road, Cowden.

Stone carving by Christophe Grillet

Memorial to Camilla Hamilton, Felsted School, Essex

Statue of a Greek Goddess, marble

'Unsettling Dreams', iron, by Steed Doe.

Deer sculpture, bronze

The Auchengeich Miner, bronze. 2009 by John McKenna

‘Dragonfly', metal. 2002, by Gillian Brent

August 2010

‘The Shining Stone', stainless steel, by Jo Naden
Black Brook, Shenstone, Lichfield

This piece was taken from a brook in Shenstone, near Lichfield around 6 August. It is believed that it may have been sold on for scrap. It was created by artist Jo Naden as a response to the history and significance of Shenstone. The sculpture will be financially difficult to replace according to the chairperson of the Lammas Land Management Committee, Richard Partridge. The artist has been calling around scrap metal dealers, in an effort to trace it. The Shining Stone was created to lie in the Black Brook at Shenstone. The size of a breeze-block, it is engraved with the words "A flock of birds settle. The green field re-echoes where there is a brisk, bright stream". The name of the artwork comes from the name of the village, Shenstone, believed to mean "beautiful or shining stone". It could be viewed from a bridge crossing the stream. The bridge is on a north-south axis, a pole of conflict in Celtic symbolism, so the stone is placed in the opposite axis to create a harmony. The piece features in the PMSA volume, Public Sculpture of Staffordshire and the Black Country by George Noszlopy. Jo Naden is reported as saying, "It is crucial that we make an effort to find it as we should be able to put tokens in the places we love without fear of them being stolen. Acknowledging our 'sense of place' is vital."

A reward has been made available for any information leading to its recovery. Anyone with any information is being asked to contact PC Steve Stackhouse at Lichfield Police on 0300 123 4455, quoting incident number 270 of 6 August, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

‘Joyance', bronze, 1899, by Sir William Goscombe John
Thompson's Park, Canton, Cardiff

An important statue by Sir William Goscombe John has been stolen from a Cardiff park during the early hours of the morning on Saturday, 31 July. The full story of the theft can be read at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-10949820

This year is also the 150th anniversary of the birth of the sculptor who is one of the most important of the early C20. There was a National Museum of Wales 1979 exhibition in Cardiff entirely devoted to him along with an extensive catalogue by Fiona. Quite apart from being the single most important modern sculptor in Wales he executed many public pieces in England including war memorials, public schools and Horse Guards Parade. Abroad, his work can be found in India, Iraq, & South Africa. Indoor work includes Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. His own listed Grade II* cemetery memorial to his wife [1923] has been twice stolen from Hampstead Cemetery in 2001 and 2006. Since the theft, local councillors have called for a modern sculpture to replace the piece which has caused objections from local people and the Chair of the Victorian Society in Wales. The full story can be read at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/cardiff/2010/aug/18/goscombe-statue-thompsons-park-replaced-modern-art-victorian-society

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Canton Police Station on 029 2022 2111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Statue of Brunel, bronze by Robert Thomas
Brunel Quay, Neyland, Pembrokeshire

Two men have been arrested and released on bail over the theft of an 8ft (2.4m) statue of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel stolen from a quayside in Pembrokeshire but the statue has not yet been recovered. Police believe the bronze statue, which cost £30,000 when erected in July 1999, was taken during the night in Neyland. Officers say lifting equipment must have been used to remove it intact from its plinth at Brunel Quay. The statue by the late sculptor Robert Thomas, who also created the Aneurin Bevan statue in Cardiff city centre, was unveiled by the Prince of Wales. County councillor Simon Hancock is reported as saying, "It was both public art and a tribute to Isambard Kingdom Brunel from our community. It's a crime against our community. Ordinary people started coming down and looking [at the plinth] in disbelief. I thought somebody was pulling my leg [about the theft] but it was true unfortunately. The plinth is there and the supporting rods are sticking out and it's really sad to see that it's been stolen." Mr Hancock added that Neyland was proud of its connection to Brunel, who is best known for his construction of a network of tunnels, bridges and viaducts for the Great Western Railway, "We've always had the view that Brunel is the founder of the community by bringing the railway in 1856, We've always been very proud of that connection. In 1989 we set up a committee for a suitable monument for Brunel and it took us about 10 years to raise the money. We raised about £30,000. It's a very substantial bronze statue and was the work of the late Robert Thomas. He died in April 1999 just weeks before the statue was unveiled."

Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact Milford Haven CID or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

July 2010

Statues of two hounds and a wild boar, bronze, by Marjan Wouda
Hereford Grove, Cottam, Preston

Three bronze statues have been stolen from the village green in Cottam. Police believe the theft to have taken place sometime between 5pm on Friday 9 July and 7am on Monday 12 July. The thieves removed the statues by using a hacksaw. They are the work of a dutch artist, Marjan Wouda who lives in Darwen, Lancashire. It is estimated that the pieces would cost £12,000 - £15,000 to replace.

If anyone has any information about the theft, please contact the Police on 08451 25 35 45 or you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Statue of a Dragon
Wentworth Castle, Rotherham

A metal statue has been stolen from the grounds of Wentworth Castle in Rotherham. The dragon, which stood as a feature on top of Stainborough Castle - a folly inside the grounds of Wentworth Castle - had no financial value but is said to have been of great sentimental value to staff at Wentworth Castle and regular visitors. The statue was specially made for the site and donated. Estate manager Michael Klemperer is reported as saying, "We at Wentworth Castle are greatly saddened by its loss and appeal to the person who has taken it to return it to its rightful position as a piece of public art to be enjoyed by our visitors. The police have been informed about the theft."

Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 0114 2202020

Bronze plaques from WWI War Memorial
Boggart Hole Clough, Blackley, Greater Manchester

Thieves in Blackley have stolen two bronze plaques containing the names of 215 local soldiers who died in the First World War. The memorial carried three plaques in total bearing the names of 341 men from Blackley who died after serving with the Manchester Regiment, the Machine Gun Corps and the Royal Army Service Corps. The plaques have stood in the park since 1921, after the money for the memorial was raised through donations from relatives and the grateful people of Blackley. A further £30,000 was spent on restoration work on the site in 2006. It is suspected that the plaques were stolen to sell as scrap metal. Pauline Brewster, former secretary of Higher Blackley Royal British Legion is reported as saying, “I think it's absolutely disgusting. It's terrible that anyone should deface anything like this.” Councillor Joanne Green said: “You think you have seen the most shocking things in life, but this is the most shocking thing I have seen in the area for years. The plaques show the names of local people who gave their lives, and this kind of memorial is priceless.” Councillor Mike Amesbury added: “I am appalled at this mindless act of vandalism and at the utter disregard that has been shown for those who gave their lives for our freedom. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and we are taking it very seriously.” It will cost several thousands of pounds to replace the plaques. Charlestown councillor Basil Curley said: "This monument was built after a door to door collection, where the people of Blackley gave what money they could in hard times. It's completely outrageous that someone would do something like this. "

A video of the damage can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2zmkCHq9Y&feature=player_embedded

If you have information about the plaque theft contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050, or you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

June 2010

Figure of a Gordon Highlander
Loch Kinord Hotel, Dinnet, Deeside

A previously stolen figure of a Gordon Highlander, reinstated at a Deeside hotel with the help of the Duke of Rothesay, was stolen again after only two weeks. It was recovered however following a ‘tip-off' following an appeal in the media and Police are trying to trace the thieves. The figure stood guard at the entrance to the Loch Kinord Hotel at Dinnet, as the replacement for a statue which went missing more than a decade ago. It was created by a volunteer at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen after Prince Charles learned that the hotel owners were searching for information on the lost statue, which the Prince remembered standing at the front of the hotel when he was a boy. The figure was taken indoors most nights but would stay outside, while the hotel was open, into the early hours. On recovery the statue was found to have been vandalised but the owner is confident that it can be restored to its former condition.

The Auchengeich Miner statue replaced
Auchengeich Memorial Garden, North Lanarkshire.

A new statue paying tribute to the men who lost their lives in one of Scotland's worst mining disasters has been unveiled. It is an exact replica of the original memorial, by sculptor John McKenna, stolen just weeks after it was unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond on the 50th anniversary of the disaster, 18 September 2009. The replacement statue is fitted with a tracker and will be monitored by CCTV. The original statue has not been recovered. Unveiling the replacement, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Today is about a community overcoming adversity. The Auchengeich miner has been restored to its rightful place thanks to the determination of all of those who were not beaten by this act of theft. I share the outrage and anger of the local community, who lost so many husbands, fathers brothers and sons half a century ago, and who have suffered yet more heartache as a result of this senseless crime." He added: "The original sculpture by John McKenna was magnificent, so it is fantastic to be here again to unveil a replacement of this wonderful work of art." Councillor Tom Curley, Provost of North Lanarkshire, said: "When I was told about the theft my emotions were a mixture of sadness and disbelief. This is something that should not have happened. This went beyond theft. This was playing with grief, a grief I shared. I am really delighted to be here today to welcome home your miner. This has been achieved by the hard work of lots of people and the co-operation and efforts of North Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire Councils."

The sculptor, John McKenna said, "Everyone connected to the project was sickened that somebody could stoop so low as to steal a memorial to the men who lost their lives at Auchengeich. Because I keep the original moulds, we were able to start work on a new one after talks with the police and the memorial committee. We had to leave a certain amount of time for the police investigation but unfortunately the statue has not been recovered. It is fantastic that Auchengeich will have an identical statue early next month because it is such an important memorial for the community. We have been in talks with the police and a security firm during work on the replacement so without giving away any secrets it is fair to say it will be much more secure than the original. This was the first statue I've had stolen in 20 years and I still cannot believe that it was targeted by thieves. I'm sure this was a carefully planned operation because it would have taken a huge effort to get the statue off his fixings and transported away. The heartbreaking thing is that it was probably only worth about £1500 as scrap bronze - you cannot put a price on the sentimental value."

The Auchengeich Colliery disaster was Scotland's worst mining disaster of the last century.

Decorated sculptures of hippos stolen
Rutland

Three sculptures of hippos have been stolen from various locations in Rutland. Just days after being installed as part of a community arts project for Rutland, three of the hippos, decorated by schoolchildren and local artists, have been stolen. On the night of 15 June an orange hippo, which had only been installed the previous day, was taken from the Stamford Road roundabout in Oakham, after the chains securing it to rocks where snapped off.
The following evening two more hippos were stolen – a duck egg blue-coloured baby model from Barnsdale Lodge Hotel and a green hippo from Lyddington's village green. Arts for Rutland launched the Rutland Hippo Trail on 18 June, with more than 20 of the sculptures dotted across the county.
However, its project officer Joy Everitt said: "It's been such a great project and we've had a fantastic response from the community.It's so sad that people would want to take these hippos when they are of no real value." Barnsdale Lodge has put up a £250 reward for the safe return of its hippo, named "Dale", who accompanies fellow decorated model "Barney" at the site. Barnsdale Lodge managing director Ed Burrows said: "The community has been involved in the Rutland Hippo Trail, with pupils coming up with the names for our hippo, and it's a great shame that this has happened."
There will be more than 20 hippos on display across the county. They have been painted by many local artists and sponsored by businesses, individuals and communities. Mrs Everitt said: "The hippos are being let out across the county this week in preparation for the launch of the hippo trail and we would really like them back so that they can join the herd across Rutland and allow everyone to enjoy them. We've all got a sense of humour, so if it's a joke please return them.But please don't forget this is breaking the law and it has been reported to the police."

May 2010

Equestrian statue stolen in Buckinghamshire

Addington Manor Equestrian Centre is appealing for information after a lifesize bronze horse was stolen from their driveway. "The horse is about 15hh and welcomes people to Addington," the equestrian centre's Pippa Holt told Horse and Hound, "But we came out this morning and it was gone. Someone had sawn through its legs, just leaving the hooves." The statue is by an unknown sculptor and has not been valued.

On 8 April 2009 a bronze statue of a horse by sculptor Dame Elizabeth Frink valued at over £200,000 was stolen from the grounds of a house in Crowhurst Road, Lingfield. Police said the hugely distinctive statue of a horse lying down is only one of five in the world and would be instantly recognisable to anyone in the art world.

If you have any information on the Addington theft call Thames Valley Police on: 08458 505505

Douglas Dragonflies' by Joanne Risley
River Douglas, Wigan

A valuable bronze riverside work of art has been chopped off at the “ankles” and stolen. The theft which has stood at the side of the River Douglas near Wigan Tesco has left Wigan Civic Trust members infuriated. The statue was unveiled nine years ago, the one-off piece of art was 3.8 metres high and was by created by Joanne Risley who crafted the nearby giant rugby league ball on the site of the former Central Park, now Tesco's car park. The stolen statue depicted two metal dragonflies resting on tall plant forms. One dragonfly was stolen soon after the sculpture was put in place. Civic Trust member Tony Hilton said: “The work of art was in a quiet place and stood proud, directly in the ground. I was utterly disgusted when I found it had been stolen. It's a great loss.” The statue was part of a larger project to encourage to make greater use of the River Douglas in Wigan. Mr Hilton, added: “The dragonfly work of art sat really comfortably by the River Douglas. “I think it was Wigan's prettiest piece of canalside art and it's terrible to think of it being chopped off near the base and whisked away. It was in a quiet spot, but I reckon it was removed in the night. People do their best to make things look better in Wigan but sometimes it looks as though we are on a hiding to nothing. I think it was stolen and sold for scrap. Bronze is valuable.” The statue was owned by the Douglas and Yarrow Valley Action Group and was financed by Wigan Council, Tesco, and the Mersey Basin Campaign. A spokesman for Wigan Council said: “We try our best to improve the environment with sensitive pieces of public art. It's a great shame with something like this happens.”

April 2010

Sculptures stolen from gardens in the Edenbridge area

A 3 metre high, bronze fountain featuring three gallopping horses has been stolen from a garden in Stick Hill. Police believe that two people and a vehicle would have been needed to move the fountain. It was stolen from a driveway between midnight and 07.30 on Thursday 15 April.
In another theft, a bronze resin statue of a woman was taken from Cowden. Kent Police say that thieves may have mistakenly thought it was bronze. The offenders had to break the 1.6m figure off the concrete plinth to remove it and ended up leaving its feet. Tthe statue was taken from a garden in Hartfield Road between 7 April and 9 April.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

March 2010

War Memorial Theft: Prevention and solutions

The War Memorials Trust has published guidance with English Heritage and Historic Scotland on how to prevent theft from war memorials and what to do if a theft has occured. The guidance is also applicable in Wales. If you would like to download a copy of this leaflet, please click on this link: http://www.warmemorials.org/uploads/publications/189.pdf

Architect's carving stolen from gardens

A stone statue has been stolen from a Cambridge hospital. The four sided, stone statue, carved by Christophe Grillet, an award-winning architect had been loaned to the Friends of Fulbourn Hospital for its sculpture trail round the mental health hospital's gardens. Mr. Grillet has been suffering from Disease since 1994. His wife, Kate, is reported as saying, “It was a real shock to see it was missing. It was the last carving that Christophe was able to complete. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and found learning to carve a difficult and emotional journey, but it helped his self-esteem and feelings that he could still be creative. He took part in several exhibitions and was very proud when two pieces were bought for the Iris Murdoch Centre in Scotland. It's awful that it has gone missing. It's a very heavy object and would need at least two people to lift it and carry it away.We loaned it to the hospital because it showed that people with mental health problems could be creative and lead positive lives. It's terrible to see it has gone.”

Anyone with any information about the missing statue should call police on    0345 456 4564 

English Heritage appoints Heritage Crime Officer

 An article in The Independedent on 14 March 2010 (p15) reports on the appointment of a crime officer to head a campaign against the theft of 'Britain's architectural heritage'. A detective chief inspector has been seconded to the organisation for two years and will start later this month. Philip Davies, the Planning and Development Director for English Heritage is quoted as saying: 'Almost anything that is removable is vulnerable. It is not just statues and war memorials, but also things like York stone paving and street furniture - anything with potential resale value. The situation with war memorials is symptomatic of a wider problem of persistent theft from memorials across the country. It is basically the theft of local history that we're talking about here.'
A Desecration of War Memorials Bill introduced in the Commons last month proposes that those who desecrate memorials should face up to 10 years in prison. The Bill was introduced, with cross-party support, by Enfield's Tory MP David Burrowes. He is quoted as saying: 'People need to look out for war memorials in their area and make sure they are registered with the national inventory at the Imperial War Museum so that we can protect them.'

For more information read the full article: 'Robber gangs target UK war memorials'

Memorial to Camilla Hamilton, bronze.
Felsted School, Essex.

A bronze statue dedicated to a 15-year-old girl killed in a car crash has been stolen from the grounds of her school in Essex. Camilla Hamilton, who lived in the village of Felsted, near Chelmsford, died when a car being driven by her best friend, also 15, crashed at Pebmarsh in June 2003. Her father, David Hamilton is reported as saying, 'Both my wife and I are absolutely devastated and numb with shock. ...Words fail to describe our thoughts of the people who committed this crime.' He said that Camilla was, 'very popular and very happy'. The statue depicts Camilla in action playing hockey, holding a hockey stick and was paid for by donations to a memorial fund after her death and was meant as a legacy that, as her father put it, could 'live on in an environment where she was happy.' The school and its surrounding community have been left shocked and horrified by the theft and fear the statue will be melted down unless it is found quickly. A resident of the village is reported as sayng, 'Is there no shame? Have people's standards reached such a low point? A tribute to a beautiful daughter has been stolen by people with no conscience'

Anyone with any information can contact Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.

February 2010

Statue of a Greek Goddess, marble.
Hayling Island, Hampshire

This 160cm high, 250kg, marble statue was stolen from a garden on 15 Feb 2010. It depicts a Greek goddess with flowing gown and holding a wine goblet. The statue was a family heirloom and was stolen whilst its owners, Nigel and Jane Wood slept at their home in south west Hayling Island. It had been in the family for more than 40 years. Nigel Wood is reported as saying, 'The statue was purchased by my mother-in-law 40 years ago. 'This house has been in the family for generations and my mother-in-law loved the garden so she spent a lot of money on what became known as 'Granny's statue'. My wife and my children grew up with it. It is 6ft and weighs half a ton which is why it is so worrying. To get it out would have taken a lot of people, I'd say around six to eight, it would have been a big project. There's no way it would fit in a normal sized car, it would need to be a van or something. The thought of a big group of people trampling around the garden while we were inside is very unsettling.' The only evidence left behing by the thieves were tyre tracks at the front of the house.

Mr Wood has offered a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the return of the statue. Anyone with information should contact Havant police on 0845 045 45 45  or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

December 2009

Unsettling Dreams, iron, by Steed Doe
Sheepcot Road, Castle Hedingham

This 1.22m high, iron sculpture was stolen from its plinth, a tree stump, between 28 and 30 December. It had stood on the corner of Sheepcot Road for some 10 years. Known locally as The Bug, it weighed 45kg. The sculptor, whose studio is in the village is reported as saying that he is 'baffled and disappointed', adding, 'We believed at first that the sculpture was taken as a prank and would soon be returned, but it hasn't. When you make a sculpture, as an artist, it's still very much part of you, and this was a very site-specific piece. We just want it back here where it belongs.'

Anyone with information on the missing sculpture should contact Essex Police. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Deer sculpture, bronze.
South Cheriton, Templecombe.

Police are appealing for help locating a rare sculpture which was stolen from a garden in South Cheriton, Templecombe. The distinctive sculpture shows leaping deer and was stolen overnight between Tuesday 22 December and Wednesday 23 December, 2009. The sculpture was one of a very limited number produced and the victim has released a picture of the stolen item in the hope that it will help lead to its recovery. Enquiries are ongoing to locate the sculpture and identify the offenders responsible for the theft. Police are appealing for anyone who has seen the statue or knows where it is to contact them. Transport would have been required to remove the heavy statue so anyone who saw a suspicious vehicle or anyone acting suspiciously nearby should also get in touch. Investigating the incident, Police Constable Iain Stamper said:

"Lots of people may have seen the sculpture as they drove through South Cheriton. Not many of these sculptures exist and the owner is desperate to get it back. It is a unique and lovely statue and it would be great if we can help get the statue back for the victim."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 0845 456 7000 . Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

EBAY

In December we had a query about a plaque being sold on Ebay that had apparently been removed from a memorial in Scotland. The enquirer was concerned that it might have been stolen. In this particular instance it was probably a perfectly innocent sale of something that had been removed from the memorial when the particular Acts of Parliament referred to had become superceded by others but it is an illustration that these kinds of artefact are often sold on such sites. It would be impossible for the Ebay team to check that every item offered for sale has not been stolen so this enquiry illustrates the importance of being vigilant and of reporting any objects that may have been stolen to the appropriate authorities.

November 2009

The Auchengeich Miner, bronze. 2009 by John McKenna (1964-)
Auchengeich Memorial Garden, North Lanarkshire.

In the early hours of 19 November 2009, this 6 ft. tall statue was stolen from Auchengeich Memorial Garden, North Lanarkshire, where it had been placed to commemorate the deaths of 47 men who died at Auchengeich Colliery in Moddiesburn on September 18, 1959. The statue had only been unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond, just two months ago. The theft was discovered by a man whose father died in the disaster. The local community are said to be very shocked by this sad theft. As there was no damage to the marble surroundings in the memorial garden, it is thought that sophisticated lifting machinery was used to carry the statue to the nearby Miners' Welfare Club car park, where it is thought a vehicle was waiting. First Minister Salmond said, “I am extremely saddened to hear this news. I was proud to unveil this magnificent bronze sculpture at a memorial service in September. The service was to mark 50 years since 47 brave men died at Auchengeich Colliery and the statue was a poignant and fitting tribute to their memory. My thoughts are with the families of the men who died that day. This disgraceful theft will only add to their heartache and enrage the local community who are so proud of their memorial.”

Anyone who has any information about the theft is asked to contact Coatbridge Police on: 01236 502000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A local taxi firm has offered a reward of a £1000 for the return of the statue.

You can find out more about the sculptor, John McKenna, on his website: http://www.a4a.co.uk/

October 2009

‘Dragonfly', metal. 2002 by Gillian Brent (1959-)
Sunnybank Nature Reserve, Broomhall, Sheffield.

A metal sculpture of a dragonfly, created by the sculptor Gillian Brent and local people, has been stolen from Sunnybank Nature Reserve in Broomhall, Sheffield. It was discovered missing on Friday 9 October. The sculpture is 1m high x 2m wide and is greenish blue in colour. Another sculpture, by the same artist, of a beetle was stolen in 2002 but was later recovered. Hannah Wittram, the Community Wildlife Ranger of Sheffield Wildlife Trust, said, ‘Not only are sculptures like these expensive to replace, but they also come to mean a lot to those who walk past them regularly. People become quite attached to them and think of them as old friends'.

If anyone has any information about the dragonfly, please email mail@wildsheffield.com or call Sheffield Wildlife Trust on 0114 263 4335 or South Yorkshire Police on 0114 220 2020

You can find out more about the sculptor Gillian Brent at: http://www.ghasp.free-online.co.uk/gillspages/Gillian_Brent.html