Police seek witnesses to statue theft from Botanic Gardens

ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to identify those responsible for the theft of the Sir Jospeh Banks memorial sculpture at the Australian National Botanic Gardens earlier this week.   

Between 3pm and 3.25pm on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the sculpture was taken from its plinth near the garden’s information kiosk.  

The sculpture is made of brass, weighs approximately 25kgs and would not be easily concealed. 

Police believe visitors to the gardens may have unknowingly captured the offenders in photos or videos and are urging anyone who was in the Botanic Gardens on Tuesday afternoon to review any pictures or dash-cam footage they may have taken. Police would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the gardens on Tuesday, 25 June.  

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 7783368. Information can be provided anonymously. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au