The artist who created a statue stolen from a Laverton park has described the theft as “an attack on the community”.
Dean Bowen’s 1.2 metre-high statue – titled Walking Figure and part of a set of three called Linking Laverton – was cut off at its feet from the stone base at the Thomas Street entry to McCormack Park.
Police say the heavy statue would have required tools and a trailer or ute to remove.
Bowen said the stolen piece, which represented sustainable transport, was likely stolen for the value of the bronze metal.
“This is the most serious attack that’s ever happened on my work,” he said.
“It’s a pretty bad feeling because the council put a lot of work in to deciding which artist and funding the project … it’s been there eight years without anything and now someone’s done this. It’s just disgraceful.
“It’s kind of like an attack on the community. It’s like stealing something that belongs to everybody. It’s really stealing from community, which is really a terrible thing thing that they’ve done just for the sake of a few dollars.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Angela Altair described the theft as “very disheartening”.
“We are working with local police and if anyone saw anything suspicious or knows anything we ask you to please contact the police,” she said.
Anyone with information should call First Constable Paul Rabbas at Altona North police 9392 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
