Police have launched a hunt for thieves suspected of stealing a Paddington Bear monument from his creator’s home town.

A sculpture of the popular character written about by Michael Bond and featuring in a recent trilogy of hit films was unveiled last October in Newbury, Berkshire.

Yet now that figure of Paddington has vanished – leaving behind only a coat still lingering on the seat, just yards from a poster promoting the bear’s latest movie.

Paddington In Peru, with Ben Whishaw back as the voice of the title character and Oscar winner Olivia Colman as the villain, was released in cinemas last November.

It follows previous big-screen adaptations whose stars included Hugh Grant, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville and Dame Julie Walters.

Marmalade sandwich-loving Paddington, who first appeared in books written by Bond in the 1950s, was named after the London station where he was discovered – wearing a tag that urged: ‘Please look after this bear.’

That same railway terminus now has a statue in his honour, but others have been erected elsewhere across the country.

Paddington Bear’s fond place in UK hearts was symbolised by his appearance in a sketch alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.

Police previously posed alongside a statue of Paddington Bear in Newbury, Berkshire

The monument was unveiled amid promotion for the movie Paddington In Peru

Thames Valley Police are now investigating after the figure of the bear himself disappeared

Yet after police posed alongside the bench tribute to Paddington when it was unveiled last year, officers are now peering into who might be behind its disappearance.

Newbury was the birthplace of Paddington author Bond, who died in June 2017 aged 91.

The monument showcased there five months was one of dozens installed across Britain as part of what was called the ‘Paddington Visits’ trail.

And the Newbury link to Paddington’s creator was highlighted by local officials, with West Berkshire councillor Louise Sturgess calling it an ‘extra special connection’.

Ms Sturgess, the local authority’s portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said at the time: ‘We’re really, really pleased to be able to bring him home – who doesn’t love Paddington?’

Other places where versions of the bear popped up – in promotion of the latest film update – included Land’s End in Cornwall and a Sunderland shopping centre. 

Yet Newbury was the only location given permission to keep its Paddington permanently – leaving locals now shocked by the sudden loss. 

A gazebo was raised to conceal the bench as the police probe got under way.

Only the outer coating has been left behind on the bench in the town centre in Berkshire

Read More

Paddington In Peru review: Our favourite bear’s third adventure is a whisker behind its predecessor

And in a statement shared on Facebook, the local force said: ‘Thames Valley Police are currently investigating the theft of the Paddington Bear statue from his bench in Northbrook Street, Newbury.

‘The investigation is being managed by the local Neighbourhood team who are currently out exploring CCTV opportunities.

‘At this stage it appears the theft has occurred overnight and we encourage any witnesses to the theft to come forward and contact the police or equally anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity.

‘You can also contact the police anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800555111. Please contact us on 101, TVP ref 43250102626.’