A statue of Paddington Bear that was targeted by vandals has been stolen again, just days after it was re-installed.
The iconic Paddington statue was only put back in its home in a shopping centre last week because it needed repairing from a 'battering' it took at the hands of yobs last month.
But the bear statue was targeted once again and stolen by vandals in Southampton, Hampshire, on Sunday.
Paddington was found dumped in a park in the city near the Westquay shopping centre and had to be rescued by police, who admitted 'he certainly needed a marmalade sandwich after his ordeal'.
He was returned in one piece and even photographed in the back of a police van during the rescue.
The statue was unveiled in October 2024 as one of 23 Paddington statues that were installed across the country to celebrate the cinema release of Paddington in Peru.
The 42-inch-high statue features Paddington with his iconic red hat and blue overcoat holding a marmalade sandwich.
A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: 'Officers on Operation Defender were alerted... to a report that Southampton's Paddington Bear statue had been taken from his bench in Guildhall Square.
A stolen Paddington statue was recovered from a nearby park and given police escort on his rescue
The statue was only put back in its home in a shopping centre last week because it needed repairing from a 'battering' it took at the hands of yobs last month (pictured)
'Following swift enquiries, PC 30377 Basford located Paddington abandoned in East Park.
'He was recovered safely and, as you can see, was given a police escort while arrangements were made for his return.
'Thankfully, he was found in one piece - and he certainly needed a marmalade sandwich after his ordeal.
'While we know Paddington is a much-loved character and this may raise a smile, damage to public property is a serious offence.
'The statue brings joy to residents, visitors, families and businesses in the city centre, and it is disappointing to see him targeted again so soon after recent repairs.
'Our enquiries are ongoing and officers are reviewing CCTV.'
The force added: 'Please look after Paddington. He is a bear of very good standing in our city.'
The marmalade-loving bear was vandalised on April 12 by yobs who damaged it and destroyed its bench.
At the time, locals said it was a 'sad day for Southampton', with Facebook user Carla Matthews asking 'why do people ruin everything?'
It was the second time in recent memory that a Paddington statue has been the target of vandals after two RAF engineers ripped one apart in Newbury, Berkshire, in March 2025.
RAF engineers Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both 23, admitted to criminal damage after ripping a Paddington statue in Newbury in half in March last year
The 42-inch-high statue features Paddington with his iconic red hat and blue overcoat holding a marmalade sandwich
Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both 23, admitted to destroying the Paddington statue in Newbury last year.
Sentencing, district judge Sam Goozee said the pair's 'actions were the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for' at Reading Magistrates' Court.
They tore the front of the statue clean off while on a drunken night out at 2am on March 2, 2025.
The pair then took the statue back to RAF Odiham in a taxi, the judge said, and Thames Valley Police confirmed it had been listed on Facebook marketplace before cops recovered it from the boot of Lawrence's car.
Jars of marmalade, sandwiches and poems were left at the scene by upset locals.
They were both handed a 12-month community order and were each to pay £2,725 to repair the damage.
The defendants' defence lawyer, Tom Brymer, told the court they were 'extremely ashamed about their actions'.
The statue was repaired and replaced in April last year.