Bronze statues worth thousands stolen from home

TWO bronze statues worth thousands of pounds have been stolen from outside a home in Rockbourne, near Fordingbridge.

Thieves targeted the address in Rockbourne while the owners were out between 10.55am and 2.30pm last Thursday, removing the life-size models of a running fox and a woman.

Police have launched an investigation into the theft, appealing for help to trace the statues, and they have advised people to ensure similar outdoor items are well secured.

Said to be very distinctive, the statues were purchased several years ago for between £3,000 and £4,000 each.

The running fox measures 107cm x 38cm and is signed “Polly Rome” – the name of the sculptor. It was taken from an unlocked porch.

The woman, with hands in the air, is one metre tall and by the same artist. It was stolen from the garden.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: “We’re appealing for information to locate these statues, specifically appealing to auction houses, pawn shops or anyone who deals in bronze.

“We would like to remind anyone with similar garden art or high-value outdoor furniture to ensure they are cemented or anchored to the ground to keep them safe.”

Those with information should contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190372123, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.