The arrest of a man in his 20s in south London has made headlines after the theft of a Banksy artwork just hours after its installation on a London street corner. The man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage, according to London’s Metropolitan Police.
The installation, which consisted of a stop sign adorned with military drones, was removed by the suspect, prompting a widespread search for the stolen artwork. A video of the theft emerged, showing a man with bolt cutters removing the artwork with the help of another man.
In response to the theft, Jasmine Ali, deputy leader of Southwark Council in the Peckham area of south London, called for the return of the artwork. “It should not have been removed and we’d like it back so everyone in the community can enjoy Banksy’s brilliant work,” Ali said.
Banksy, who remains an elusive figure with an unconfirmed identity, is known for his critical eye on conflict in his artworks. Some fans have speculated that the stolen installation may have taken aim at the war in Gaza.
The police are currently investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the stolen artwork to come forward. As of now, the whereabouts of the stolen artwork remain unknown.