A large bronze statue of a hare has been stolen from a trade stand at Badminton House, the seat of the Duke of Beaufort in South Gloucestershire, and the home of the Badminton Horse Trials.
Avon and Somerset Police said the statue, which sits on a hamstone base and measures 4ft 6in (1.35m) in height, was made by Somerset artist Jan Sweeny and is valued at £19,000. The Badminton Horse Trials is a five-day event that takes place annually in April or May in the park of Badminton House. The event ran from May 4 to May 8 this year.
Pc Matt Leigh said: “Being bronze, the statue weighs a considerable amount and so it’s likely more than one person was involved in removing it from the trade stand it was on display at. We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen it being removed or transported and are also asking those at Badminton to keep an eye out for it.
“If you have information which could help us recover the statue and find those responsible for the theft, please call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5222108421.”
In addition Avon and Somerset police ask anyone with information to contact them using an online appeals form here. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.
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