A gallery owner says tracking down a £6,000 owl statue stolen in a smash and grab would send a “strong message” to would-be thieves.

Richard Taylor-Jones, who runs Taylor-Jones & Son in Deal High Street, has vowed not to “let things like this go by without stepping up” after the break-in.

Police are urging witnesses to come forward after the large bronze statue was stolen shortly after midnight yesterday.

“It would be wonderful if we could get the artwork back, not only for the artist and gallery.

“We live in such a lovely town, which is a friendly, welcoming and caring community.

“It would send a really strong message to anybody wanting to do more things like this.

“It is a watchful, close-knit community and we won’t let things like this go by without stepping up.”

Mr Taylor-Jones

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