A London man has been jailed for 13 months after stealing a £270,000 Banksy masterpiece from a Fitzrovia gallery. Thanks to swift Flying Squad work, the iconic artwork was recovered within just four days.
Smash-and-Grab Caught on Camera
Larry Fraser, 49, from Beckton, was caught red-handed in a daring early September smash-and-grab at the Grove Gallery. The thief hammered his way through glass doors, masked and gloved to hide his identity, before making off with the 2004 signed print of Banksy’s “Girl with Balloon.”
Fast Police Action Nets Suspect and Artwork
Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad zeroed in on Fraser after reviewing CCTV footage showing him loading the stolen Banksy into a van. Fraser was arrested just two days after the burglary at his home. A swift warrant raid on the Isle of Dogs led to the prompt recovery of the priceless painting.
Co-Defendant Acquitted
A second man, James Love, 54, was cleared of burglary charges at trial, leaving Fraser solely responsible for the high-profile art theft.
Key facts:
- Art stolen: Banksy’s “Girl with Balloon” signed print, circa 2004
- Burglary Date: Sunday, 8 September 2024
- Sentencing Date: Friday, 14 November 2024
- Sentence: 13 months imprisonment
- Location: Grove Gallery, Fitzrovia, London
