London’s Metropolitan Police have announced the arrest of a second individual, on suspicion of theft and criminal damage, following the removal of a prominent artwork by the renowned street artist Banksy. The artwork, featuring a red stop sign adorned with three military drones, was unveiled in Commercial Way, Peckham, just last Friday.
The first arrest was made on Saturday, targeting a man in his 20s who faced charges related to the theft and criminal damage. He has since been released on bail, with further inquiries pending. The second individual, a man in his 40s, remains in police custody.
Witnesses at the scene captured the theft on camera, as the artwork was removed using bolt cutters within an hour of Banksy’s Instagram post authenticating it. The Metropolitan Police initiated an investigation after Southwark Council reported the theft of the artwork.
The police force is aware of video footage circulating on social media, showing the sign’s removal. They are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the artwork to come forward and assist in their ongoing inquiry.
In a video that emerged on social media, one individual can be seen stabilizing a Lime hire bike while another person stands on the bike’s saddle, using bolt cutters to release the artwork. After successfully detaching it from the post, the thief made a swift escape from the scene.
To ensure public safety, Southwark Council promptly installed a new traffic sign in place of the removed artwork.
Banksy’s latest creation has sparked considerable interest among his Instagram followers, with many interpreting the artwork as a plea for a ceasefire in Gaza. Notably, Banksy featured similar drone-themed art at his Walled Off hotel in Bethlehem back in 2017, humorously dubbing it as having “the worst view of any hotel in the world.” The reference was made to Israel’s contentious wall in the West Bank.
The investigation into the theft of Banksy’s artwork continues, with the Metropolitan Police encouraging the public to provide any information that may aid in the recovery of the piece.
