Two men charged with stealing Banksy artwork from London gallery

On September 13, 2024, news from London. The Metropolitan Police said two men have been charged with burglary after stealing Banksy's artwork "Girl with Balloon" from a London gallery.

The artwork was stolen from a gallery on New Cavendish Street in London around 11 pm on Sunday. It was later returned to the gallery and appears to be the only item stolen in this burglary. Larry Fraser, 47, and James Love, 53, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Thursday. They are charged with non-residential burglary and are due to appear again at Kingston Crown Court on October 9. The Flying Squad of the Metropolitan Police, which is responsible for robbery cases, led the investigation.

The stolen work is one of several versions of "Girl with Balloon," depicting a child reaching for a heart-shaped red balloon. It was originally spray-painted on a wall in east London and has been replicated many times, becoming one of Banksy's most famous images. Another version was renamed and sold for a high price after partially self-destructing at an auction. Banksy's identity is mysterious. His works are famous worldwide and often have a satirical edge. They are sold for millions of dollars at auctions and also attract thieves and vandals. This summer, a series of Banksy's animal-themed works have appeared in various places in London. Some have been removed by the authorities for safekeeping.