London’s Metropolitan Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with the brazen theft of a Banksy artwork from Commercial Way, Peckham. The piece, a striking red stop sign featuring three military drones, was unveiled just last Friday before being stolen within the hour.
The first arrest was made on Saturday when a man in his 20s was charged with theft and criminal damage. He was later released on bail. The new suspect, a man in his 40s, remains in custody as the investigation intensifies.
Police launched their inquiry after Southwark Council reported the disappearance of the artwork. Eye-witnesses captured the daring daylight theft on camera, showing the culprits using bolt cutters. One of the thieves was seen standing on a Lime bike saddle for leverage. The thieves made a quick getaway with Banksy’s politically charged artwork.
The Metropolitan Police are appealing for public assistance as video footage of the heist circulates on social media. Investigators are seeking any information about the stolen sign’s location or the identities of others involved in the theft.
Southwark Council acted swiftly by replacing the iconic sign with a standard traffic post to maintain street safety.
The artwork is widely interpreted as a call for peace in Gaza and echoes Banksy’s previous drone-themed pieces, such as those displayed at his Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem. The hotel is known for its location by Israel’s West Bank wall and has been described as having “the worst view of any hotel in the world.”
“The investigation is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information to come forward,” said a Metropolitan Police spokesperson.
Stay tuned as the search continues for the missing Banksy masterpiece.
Originally published by UKNIP.
