Thieves steal city's bronze

Thieves steal from ratepayers: A Watson Bequest statue's arm was cut off by thieves in the past two weeks.

From City Scene, published on 24 August, 2008

Thieves are stealing Auckland City Council's bronze sculptures and statues, steel rubbish bins, copper flashing and even stormwater grates, presumably to melt down and sell to metal recyclers.

In the past two weeks someone cut the arm off one of the Watson Bequest statues (pictured) in the Auckland Domain. Five Greer Twiss bronze sculptures were stolen last October. Dozens of items have been taken from around Auckland and the bill so far is estimated at $500,000 in replacement costs and additional security measures.

"These thieves are stealing directly from our ratepayers and we want the public's help to put a stop to it," says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee. "If you see anything or have information that could help stop these thefts, please phone our call centre on 379 2020 any time," he says.