A man has been charged in relation to the theft of a bronze sculpture from a Christchurch community centre which was allegedly turned into scrap metal.
Acting Detective Sergeant Steph Trengrove said police were first alerted to the theft from the Mt Pleasant Community Centre on June 6.
The sculpture, Flight, was created by renowned Christchurch sculptor Llew Summers in 2018 and was valued at $95,000.
Standing at 2.2 metres tall and weighing 2.2 tonnes, the work of art depicts a large bird in flight.
Flight was the final major bronze work completed by Summers before his death in 2019 at the age of 72.
“The theft of the sculpture has deeply upset the community, and police have worked hard to locate the artwork and identify the person responsible,” Trengrove said.
“Unfortunately, our investigation indicates that the sculpture has been destroyed and much of it sold as scrap metal, with only small pieces being recovered.”
Police acknowledged the impact of its theft and alleged destruction on residents.
“While we are pleased to have apprehended the offender, police acknowledge the devastation the residents feel in losing such significant artwork,” Trengrove said.
“We would like to warmly thank key community members who assisted officers with information and support throughout the investigation, including those from the scrap metal industry.”
A 44-year-old man would appear in the Christchurch District Court on September 16 charged with theft.
