Tower Hamlets Council Addresses Teddy Baldock Statue Theft Concerns
Tower Hamlets Council has moved to reassure residents that there appears to be no broader threat to statues or artworks in the borough's parks following the shocking theft of a monument dedicated to boxing legend Teddy Baldock. The bronze statue, which had stood proudly in Langdon Park, Poplar for over a decade, was forcibly removed from its plinth by thieves on Sunday, 31st January.
Council's Response to the Incident
A council spokesperson expressed profound shock at the theft, describing the statue as "an important part of the borough's history" that holds significant meaning for the local community. The authority is actively collaborating with police investigators, reviewing available CCTV footage and amplifying public appeals for information. However, officials have clarified that current evidence does not suggest a wider pattern of risk targeting statues across other parks in the area.
The spokesperson stated: "We are shocked to hear of the theft of the Teddy Baldock statue from Langdon Park. The 'Pride of Poplar' statue is an important part of the borough's history and means a lot to our community. We are amplifying the police's public appeal for further information and reviewing our CCTV as part of the investigation, in the hope that we can find the statue and catch the culprits."
Details of the Theft and Police Investigation
Police were alerted to the theft at approximately 8pm on Sunday evening. Subsequent CCTV analysis reveals four suspects, all dressed in black with their faces concealed, removing the statue during nighttime hours. The footage shows the group manipulating the monument free from its stone base without apparent use of tools, before loading it onto a three-wheeled cargo bicycle and concealing it beneath a high-visibility jacket.
The suspects were last observed travelling northbound toward Bromley-by-Bow Tube Station, leaving only the statue's bronze shoes behind at the scene. Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, overseeing neighbourhood policing in Tower Hamlets, emphasised the community's distress and assured residents of ongoing investigative efforts.
Detective Superintendent Richter commented: "We understand this is a very distressing time for members of our community to have a monument of a local hero treated this way. I want to assure the public that our officers are working at pace to identify those responsible and will continue to follow every available line of enquiry."
Family Concerns and Historical Significance
Martin Sax, grandson of Teddy Baldock, has voiced significant concerns about the statue's potential fate, fearing thieves may attempt to sell it to scrap metal dealers for melting down. The monument, which cost approximately £100,000 to commission through community fundraising efforts, had stood undisturbed for more than ten years without any prior vandalism or tagging incidents.
Mr Sax told reporters: "It took a lot of effort getting the statue erected. We had to raise about £100,000. To know it's most likely going to be melted and turned into scrap is horrendous. The statue has been there for over 10 years, with no issues. I was concerned that it would be sprayed or tagged by local kids and I hoped the local community would have respect for it and they obviously did. It was never tagged once. Now, it's been cut down and stolen which is an absolute shocker."
Baldock, remembered as "The Pride of Poplar," achieved bantamweight world champion status in 1927 and remains Britain's youngest boxing world champion. His legacy continues to resonate strongly within the East London community where he grew up and trained.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Police continue to pursue multiple lines of enquiry and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Authorities can be contacted on 101 quoting reference CAD 6133/1Feb, while anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The investigation remains active as officers work to recover the stolen monument and apprehend those responsible for this culturally significant theft.
