The life-sized brass statue of a bear riding a tandem bike was removed from the centre in the early hours of last Wednesday, September 11, and its whereabouts remain a mystery. Police believe the thieves reversed a truck into a laneway near Barkly Square about 4am. Three people got out of the truck and used an angle grinder cut through the base of the statue before lifting it with a crane onto the truck. They then fled into Barkly Street. Police said the statue is valued at $60,000.
The report continues -
The statue was installed in the laneway between the front and rear sections of the shopping centre in October 2018. It was made on a commission from the centre’s owners by Sydney-based sculptors Gillie and Marc Schattner. “We are absolutely shocked and heartbroken to learn that our beloved Sparkly Bear sculpture was stolen from Barkly Square,” the couple said in a statement to Brunswick Voice. “This piece was created with the intention of bringing joy and a sense of connection to the community, and to see it taken in such a way is devastating."
References
Sparkly Bear Missing after Brazen Theft - Brunswick Voice September 18, 2024, read.
Sparkly Bear Arrives at Brunswick Square https://barklysquare.com.au/whatson/sparkly-bear/
The website of sculptors Gillie and Marc https://gillieandmarc.com/products/sparkly-bear
“We believe that public art plays a crucial role in fostering shared experiences and creating spaces where people can come together. We urge anyone with information to come forward, as we hope for the safe return of Sparkly Bear so that it can once again be enjoyed by the community.”
Sparkly Bear
This is a mean spirited theft of a delightful and loved sculpture which brought joy to people of all ages in the community.
Sparkly Bear
Should you have any information about Sparkly Bear, contact the police or please leave a comment below or see 'Contact us' tab for anonymous emailing.
Should you actually possess the item and wish to return it its rightful owners or custodians, please contact us.
References
Sparkly Bear Missing after Brazen Theft - Brunswick Voice September 18, 2024, read.
Sparkly Bear Arrives at Brunswick Square https://barklysquare.com.au/whatson/sparkly-bear/
The website of sculptors Gillie and Marc https://gillieandmarc.com/products/sparkly-bear
