Vandals target Paddington statue once again
A statue of Paddington Bear was briefly removed again after being targeted by vandals just days after it had been reinstalled in Southampton.
The sculpture, located in Guildhall Square, had previously been taken away in April when the bench it sat on was damaged. After repairs, it was returned to its spot last week. However, in the early hours of Sunday, police were called following reports that the statue had gone missing once more.
According to Hampshire Constabulary, officers later discovered the statue abandoned but undamaged in nearby East Park.
In a social media post, local police said the bear was safely recovered and even “given a police escort” before being returned. They added humorously that Paddington “certainly needed a marmalade sandwich after his ordeal.”
Despite the lighthearted tone, authorities stressed that vandalism is a serious issue. They noted the statue is a popular attraction that brings enjoyment to residents, visitors, and local businesses, and expressed disappointment that it had been targeted again so soon after repairs.
The statue was first installed in 2024 as part of a nationwide trail celebrating the release of Paddington in Peru. It was initially placed outside the Westquay shopping centre before being relocated to Guildhall Square. The installation is managed by Go!Southampton, which had temporarily kept the statue in its offices while restoration work was carried out.
