A 49-year-old man has been imprisoned after admitting to the audacious theft of a highly valuable Banksy print from a central London art gallery.
The Brazen Gallery Burglary
Larry Fraser, aged 49, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for breaking into the Grove Gallery in Fitzrovia, central London, in September last year. The court heard how Fraser gained entry by smashing a glass door and specifically targeted a single item: a signed and numbered Girl With Balloon print.
The artwork, a limited edition piece by the elusive street artist Banksy, was valued at approximately £270,000. Fraser pleaded guilty to the charge of burglary.
Motive and Swift Police Recovery
During proceedings, Fraser stated that he committed the offence under significant pressure to settle a historic drug debt. He claimed to have been unaware of the specific target or its substantial value until the very day of the crime.
Fortunately, the Metropolitan Police's specialist Flying Squad moved quickly to investigate. They successfully recovered the artwork within four days of the theft. The precious Banksy print was returned to the Grove Gallery completely undamaged.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Passing sentence at court, Judge Anne Brown characterised the incident as a "brazen and serious non-domestic burglary". She acknowledged that while Fraser may not have known the precise £270,000 valuation, he was fully aware that the item he targeted was of significant worth.
The case highlights the risks faced by the art world from criminals seeking high-value, portable assets.
