Two arrested after stolen Paddington Bear statue recovered in Newbury

Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft and vandalism of a Paddington Bear statue in Newbury, Thames Valley Police confirmed.

The statue, which had been placed on a bench in Northbrook Street, was taken around 2:00 GMT on Sunday, March 2. Later that evening, authorities recovered the sculpture and humorously stated that Paddington was "heading to Newbury police station for a much-needed marmalade sandwich."

The Paddington Bear sculpture, depicting the beloved fictional character holding a marmalade sandwich, was unveiled in October in Newbury—the hometown of Paddington creator Michael Bond. It was one of 23 statues installed across the UK last year as part of the Paddington Visits trail, an initiative tied to the upcoming film Paddington in Peru, produced by StudioCanal.

Authorities arrested two 22-year-old men from Basingstoke on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. As the investigation continues, Inspector Alan Hawkett reassured residents, stating, “The Paddington Bear statue is a beloved part of Newbury, so we have been doing everything we can to locate it and the offenders.” Police also confirmed they would ensure the statue’s safety and assist in its restoration.

Residents expressed disappointment over the incident, with many sharing photos of the statue on social media. Local resident Whitney Burnett wrote, “To some, it may not seem like a big deal, but he was such a little ray of sunshine.” Others highlighted Newbury’s significance as the birthplace of Bond, with Juliet Curtis stating, “How upset he would have been.”

As authorities continue their investigation, efforts are underway to restore the statue, ensuring Paddington’s place in Newbury remains intact.