- Banksy artwork stolen
- Arrest made; investigation ongoing
- Previous artworks also removed
On Friday, shortly after noon, the elusive artist confirmed the artwork’s authenticity in a social media post. Two men were then observed demolishing the sign atop the south London location where the artwork was exhibited. “We’d like it back,” the local council stated as officers initiated an investigation.
An individual was apprehended on suspicion of theft and criminal damage in connection with the removal of a new Banksy artwork.
The elusive artist confirmed in a social media post shortly after noon on Friday that the work in question—a traffic stop sign featuring military drones—belonged to him.
Two males were observed demolishing the sign that accompanied the artwork at the junction of Southampton Way and Commercial Way in Peckham, south London, in less than thirty minutes.
As the removal was captured on video, a number of bystanders could be heard commenting on the actions of the males.
“In connection with the incident, one man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement today. He is still being held in custody.
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The force previously stated that it had been notified on Friday of the stolen sign, adding, “Our local authority partners were also notified at the time and have since substituted the road sign to prevent further harm to motorists.”
Since then, a larceny report has been received, and investigations are continuing.
Jasmine Ali, the deputy leader of Southwark Council, stated that the artwork “should not have been removed” and that “Banksy’s brilliant work” should be appreciated by all.
Ms. Ali said in a statement released shortly after the artwork was removed, “Of course Banksy chose Peckham. The area is already renowned for its artistic prowess and is a hub for originality.”
It ought to have been reinstated so that all members of the community may once again appreciate the creative work of Banksy.
We have informed the police about the theft of our sign in an effort to recover it.
One individual was observed in photographs taken at the time, positioned atop a Lime cycle and using bolt cutters to detach the sign.
They were then captured on camera carrying the sign as they ran down the street.
Dramatic Removal and Silent Escape
A witness stated that he “observed in awe” as another individual “pulled it apart with his hands.”
The witness, who requested anonymity, arrived at the location via Lime bikes to observe the artwork.
Then, another individual stood on this Lime bike while removing the artwork.
“I was about to leave for lunch when I opened Instagram and saw that it had been posted four minutes prior,” the 26-year-old told the PA news agency. There were approximately two individuals present at the time of my arrival. We were all capturing photographs and admiring it.
“This individual approaches it and seizes it; we stood in awe as he smashed it.” After mounting the Lime cycle, he tried to hit the sign with his hands, but it remained still.
“At one point, he fell off the Lime bike,” he continued. Two minutes after disappearing, he resurfaced with bolt cutters and tried in front of bystanders.
“Our response was, ‘What are you doing?'” Nonetheless, since nobody knew what to do, we essentially stood by as it transpired. We were all somewhat perplexed; automobile horns were blaring.
“After ripping it off, he fled across the road.” He remained silent. It appeared that he failed to place significant emphasis on the artwork itself.
It is believed that Banksy did not orchestrate the removal.
This year has witnessed the removal of Banksy artworks on multiple occasions.
On Valentine’s Day, a 3.8-tonne mural appeared on a Margate, Kent, property. It was demolished within hours of Banksy posting a series of photographs of it online.
It showed a 1950s homemaker throwing a man into a chest freezer with a swollen eye and missing tooth.
Additional objects that were absent from the artwork were observed. They have been incorporated, such as a shattered garden chair, a frying pan, and an empty beer container.
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