The artist Stik produced 100,000 prints of his Holding Hands poster to be given free to households across the borough
(Picture: Stik via Metropolitan Police)Police have recovered thousands of stolen posters produced by an artist to recognise the kindness of Hackney residents in the face of the pandemic.
The artist Stik produced 100,000 prints of his Holding Hands poster to be given free to households across the borough.
But thousands never reached their true destination and a police investigation was launched.
Following a public appeal, 4,000 prints have been returned to the street artist, whose work has fetched up to £150,000.
The Hackney based artist, who does not use his real name, said: “Holding Hands shows two people looking in opposite directions yet holding hands in a symbol of universal love and solidarity. The fact that so many prints were returned to the people of Hackney only amplifies its meaning.”
Hackney Council helped to distribute the posters, which were launched to also mark the unveiling of a Holding Hands bronze sculpture by the artist in Hoxton Square.
Stik had lived in a homeless hostel in Hackney and has spoken of his gratitude for the kindness showed to him by residents of the borough.
Detective Constable James Readman said: “It is really encouraging that people have done the right thing by returning a large proportion of the prints.
"Hopefully, they were struck by the fact that Stik was doing something really nice for his fellow Hackney residents - funded out of his own pocket - because he wanted to bring a smile to people’s faces, during what has been an incredibly difficult year for most.
Thousands of the posters never reached their true destination
Stik via Metropolitan Police"Unfortunately, some individuals saw an opportunity to make money and took it. But we are pleased with the response and understand STIK has begun the process of distributing the prints to the rightful recipients.”
A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of theft in October has been released with no further action. Another person has been interviewed under caution.
Anyone with information on the missing posters is asked to call police on 101 or to remain anonymous 0800 555 111.
