Paddington Bear Statue Stolen: Two Men Face Charges
A beloved Paddington Bear statue, part of a nationwide public art installation, has been recovered after being allegedly stolen from Northbrook Street in Newbury over the weekend. Two men, both aged 22, are now facing charges in connection with the incident, Thames Valley Police announced on Monday.
The accused individuals, one hailing from West Yorkshire and the other from Leicestershire, have been charged with one count of criminal damage. Police reports indicate that the alleged theft occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday. Following their arrest, the two men were released on conditional bail and are scheduled to appear in court on March 25 to answer to the charges.
The stolen statue, a vibrant and colorful depiction of Paddington Bear enjoying his signature marmalade sandwich, was quickly recovered by authorities and is currently in police custody. The statue is one of 23 such artworks that were unveiled across the United Kingdom in October, coinciding with the release of StudioCanal’s film, "Paddington in Peru." The installations were especially meaningful in Newbury, the hometown of Paddington Bear’s creator, Michael Bond.
The Paddington Bear trail across the UK was designed to celebrate the enduring legacy of the beloved character and to bring joy to communities nationwide. Each statue was uniquely designed and painted, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of public art. The theft of the Newbury statue caused considerable disappointment among local residents who had embraced the installation as a symbol of community pride and connection to the literary heritage of the town.
Michael Bond, who passed away in June 2017, created Paddington Bear in 1958. The character has since become a cultural icon, recognized worldwide for his distinctive appearance and charming personality. Paddington is instantly recognizable by his spectacles, his old red bush hat, and his blue duffel coat. He is always seen carrying a battered brown leather suitcase filled with his most prized possession: marmalade sandwiches.
The inspiration for Paddington Bear came to Bond on Christmas Eve 1956, when he purchased a small toy bear from a London store. As Bond himself recounted, "I bought a small toy bear on Christmas Eve 1956. I saw it left on a shelf in a London store and felt sorry for it. I took it home as a present for my wife Brenda and named it Paddington as we were living near Paddington Station at the time… I wrote some stories about the bear, more for fun than with the idea of having them published. After 10 days I found that I had a book on my hands. It wasn’t written specifically for children, but I think I put into it the kind things I liked reading about when I was young."
Paddington Bear’s story begins in Peru, where he was orphaned following an earthquake when he was just a few weeks old. His Aunt Lucy, who cared for him after the tragic event, taught him to speak perfect English and arranged for him to travel to London as a stowaway in a ship’s lifeboat when she decided to retire to a home in Lima.
Upon arriving in London, Paddington was found by Mr. and Mrs. Brown sitting on a small suitcase near the lost property office at Paddington Station. The Browns, moved by his plight, took Paddington home to live with them at 32 Windsor Gardens in London, along with their two children, Jonathan and Judy, and their housekeeper, Mrs. Bird.
Paddington’s adventures in England have captured the hearts of readers and viewers for generations. His stories, filled with humor, warmth, and gentle life lessons, have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media, including 30 books and three full-length animated films. Paddington’s enduring popularity speaks to the universal appeal of his character and the timeless themes he represents: kindness, acceptance, and the importance of finding a place to call home.
The incident involving the stolen statue has prompted widespread discussion about the importance of respecting public art and the role it plays in enhancing communities. Many residents of Newbury have expressed relief that the statue was recovered quickly and have called for increased security measures to protect the remaining statues in the trail.
The case against the two men accused of stealing the Paddington Bear statue is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge during their court appearance in March. Meanwhile, the recovered statue is expected to be returned to its rightful place on Northbrook Street, where it can once again bring joy to residents and visitors alike. The incident serves as a reminder of the enduring power of Paddington Bear to unite communities and inspire acts of kindness and generosity. It also highlights the importance of protecting and preserving public art for the benefit of all. The local community will no doubt be keen to see the statue restored to its former glory, a symbol of Newbury’s connection to a globally cherished character.
