Bronze statue stolen from castle

A statue of the Roman god Mercury worth tens of thousands of pounds has been stolen from a famous Highland stately home.
The 6ft bronze of the “winged messenger of the gods”, which has graced the walled garden at Dunrobin Castle near Golspie in Sutherland for decades, disappeared from its plinth.
The theft was discovered by gardener Iain Crisp, of Dunrobin, who was working near the plinth.
The statue, which dates back to around 1826, was stolen some time between 3.30pm on Tuesday and 2pm on Wednesday. It is estimated to be worth between £20,000-£30,000, weighs 970lb and is a work by the Italian sculptor Giambolgna.
Castle general manager Scott Morrison said: “We are obviously very disappointed by the theft of this much-loved statue. For many years it has been on display in the castle’s gardens for the pleasure of the many visitors we have here, and it is a great shame that our trust and their enjoyment has been abused in such a way.”
Security at the castle has now been stepped up. An antique bronze sundial was stolen from the garden in October, 2007.
Mr Morrison said: “It would have taken more than one person to move the statue. One of the first things we did was report it to the National Theft Register.
“The gardens are locked at night and we couldn’t see where anyone had broken in. There will now be extra security for the whole of the castle grounds as a result of this theft. I don’t think anyone would be silly enough to try and sell it for scrap.”
The classic statue depicts a nude Mercury with wings on his heels and head, in flight with his arm outstretched skywards and holding a caduceus, or herald’s staff, entwined with two serpents, in his left hand. Scrap-metal yards in the Highlands estimated scrap value for bronze of the statue’s weight would be £440 to £800.
A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “We want to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anyone acting suspiciously around the castle’s walled garden. This could include any sturdy vehicle capable of carrying an object of that weight and size.”
Dunrobin Castle was open to the public as usual yesterday. Police have urged anyone with information on the theft to contact them on 01862 810222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

(Reproduced from the Aberdeen Press and Journal, 12th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Never under-estimate what can become a target for the criminal fraternity - size and weight are rarely a barrier for the professional thief. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-antiques-security.aspx