Nutcracker statue stolen from Stirr Ups cocktail bar in Evesham

Police are investigating after a festive character stood outside Stirr Ups was snatched.

Manager of the restaurant and bar, Shayne Ogden, initially took to social media to give the culprit a chance to return.

But with no one coming forward, he was left with no choice but to report it to the police.

“It was not a very festive thing to do at all.

“We have a match set so we would like to reunite them but it doesn’t look like they’re willing to bring it back to us.”

CCTV footage shows a man approach the statue at around 6pm on Saturday, December 10.

In the video, he can be seen picking the nutcracker up and casually walking off with it down High Street.

Mr Ogden explained how businesses have been trying to make the area a more attractive place, after a difficult year for the retail and hospitality industry.

“At this end of town they are really trying to make things colourful and bring some Christmas spirit to the area, which will hopefully drive some traffic to the Market Place,” he said.

“This year I have seen less people shopping and it has been really poor year for businesses and especially for retail.

“So, this is just so sad.”

The nutcracker statue outside Stirr Ups (Image: Stirr Ups)

West Mercia Police officers are now investigating the incident.

A spokesperson said: “I can confirm that a report of a Nutcracker statue being stolen from outside Stirr Ups restaurant in Market Place, Evesham, was made on December 11. 

“It is believed the statue was stolen at 6pm the previous evening.  

“Police investigations, including CCTV enquiries, are ongoing.”