Southampton’s popular Paddington Bear statue has been returned to Guildhall Square following a difficult week that saw the community landmark targeted by vandals and later stolen. The statue, which is one of 23 installed across the UK and Ireland as part of the Paddington Visits trail, was originally vandalised on 12 April 2026 when its bench was destroyed.
Following the initial damage, GO! Southampton, the organisation responsible for the city centre, housed the statue in its offices while repairs were carried out. The restoration of the bench was funded by the local firm BB Merchants, while The Garden Society refreshed the surrounding planters. The statue was reinstalled on 30 April 2026.
However, the statue was stolen again just days later, between 1 May and 2 May 2026. The statue was later discovered abandoned in East Park and was recovered by the police.
The Hampshire Constabulary is continuing to investigate both incidents. According to PCSO Jimi Noyce, officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage and following all available lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for the damage and the theft.
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