Two Men Charged in Banksy Artwork Theft

Larry Fraser, 47, and James Love, 53, have been charged with non-residential burglary after stealing the Banksy artwork 'Girl with Balloon' from the Grove Gallery in London. The theft occurred on September 8, with the painting being the only item taken, valued at approximately £270,000, but it has since been recovered. Both men appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on September 12 and are scheduled to appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 9. CCTV footage captured the incident, showing one suspect breaking the glass door to access the gallery. The artwork is part of a celebrated series by Banksy, which has gained significant cultural recognition, including being voted the nation's favorite artwork in a 2017 poll. The investigation was led by Scotland Yard's Flying Squad, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding art theft.