Police have said the theft of a Charlie Chaplin statue from a shed in Nelson is no laughing matter.
The 4ft. high statue was stolen from an allotment shed off Brunswick Street, well away from city lights, when thieves struck silently overnight between Thursday and Friday.
The statue, with an unknown value, depicts Chaplin in comic character wearing a black waistcoat and has a moustache described as resembling Hitler’s.
Entry to the metal shed was gained after a padlock was prised open and three Stihl strimmers with a total value of £750 were also stolen.
Even in these modern times, police are scratching their heads as to how something as unique as this could have waddled off undetected.
Sgt Shaun Pearson said: “We take all crime seriously. The statue is quite distinctive so if anybody has seen a 4ft. figure matching this description we would urge them to come forward with information.
“I would also ask people to check their sheds to make sure everything is okay and review security as we enter spring with the summer ahead.”
Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.