Gentleman thief suspected of double statue heist

Art thief suspected of stealing two valuable sculptures within a fortnight
hunted by police.

A 'gentleman' thief who is suspected have stolen a prized £40,000
Elizabeth Frink statue is believed to have taken a second £100,000
bronze just days after.

The criminal was captured on CCTV stuffing the 1925 5.5ins by 14.5ins
(14x37cms) statue by French sculptur Francois Pompon under his jacket
at the Masterpiece Art Fair at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on July 1
this year.

An assistant for the gallery selling the statue realised the piece was
missing from its display plinth at about 1.30pm.

It is believed that after the theft the man took a cab to the City
where he was dropped off near Liverpool Street station.

The prized £40,000 Elizabeth Frink statue The prized £40,000 Elizabeth
Frink statue

Detective Constable Pete O'Brien, from Kensington and Chelsea CID,
said: "Security was immediately notified and subsequent CCTV enquiries
shows the suspect taking the sculpture off the display and putting it
under his jacket. He then left the building.

"We know he left in a taxi which dropped him at Appold Street at the
junction with Primrose Street near Liverpool Street station.

"If you recognise the man or know of his whereabouts please contact
police."

A few days before the robbery another sneak thief stole a 40,000
Elisabeth Frink piece from the Beaux Arts Gallery in Mayfair.

On that occasion the thief, described as a 6ft tall white male with
greying hair chatted to the assistant on the morning of June 26th
before returning just before closing.
He was then caught on CCTV stuffing the Frink under a coat he was
carrying before coolly walking out the door.

Any witnesses to the theft of the panther are asked to call police.