Brunswick Voice

News / Crime

Sparkly Bear missing after brazen theft

Thieves used angle grinder to remove statue

Sparkly Bear in happier days, before it was stolen. Photo: Gillie and Marc

Brunswick Voice


THE creators of the iconic Sparkly Bear statue at the Barkly Square shopping centre say they are “shocked and heartbroken” it has been stolen.

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 theft of the statue would not have been easy because of its size and weight and attachment to the tiled surface.

Barkly Square centre management confirmed that the statue has been missing since last Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, the police have confirmed that it is highly unlikely that Sparkly will be returned,” the managers, CBRE, said.

“The police are continuing their investigations and we thank them for their assistance. We are deeply saddened by this news, but we have been overwhelmed by the heartwarming outreach from the community and the affection for Sparkly Bear. ”

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.

“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.”

This story was updated on September 19 with additional comments from Barkly Square management.

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