Thieves Steal Huge £3m Sculpture


Thieves have stolen a huge Henry Moore sculpture worth more than £3 million, police say.

Officers investigating the theft of the bronze by the world famous artist believe it could have been stolen for scrap value.

Called "a reclining figure'', the 1969/1970 work was stolen from the grounds of the Henry Moore Foundation in Perry Green, Much Hadham, in Hertfordshire, on Thursday.

Police believe the sculpture, more than 11ft long. was loaded on to the back of lorry and driven away.

The Foundation is offering a "substantial'' reward for its return.

Detective Sergeant Graeme Smith, of Hertfordshire Police, said: "This is a very valuable statue and we are working closely with the Henry Moore Foundation to ensure its safe return. The Foundation is offering a substantial reward for information leading to its recovery."

A police spokesman said at around 10.16pm three men came into the courtyard of the Foundation in two vehicles and stole the statue.

The vehicles were described as a Mercedes flat-bed lorry, possibly red, with a "hi-ab'' lifting crane on the back.

The other was possibly an old-style Mini Cooper with spotlights at the front. One of the three suspects wore a hooded jacket and one a baseball cap.

Mr Smith said officers were keeping an open mind as to the motive behind the daring theft - which was captured on CCTV.

"We are fearful it is possibly going to be sold for scrap - which would be a travesty.''