What a fine mess for Romford Laurel and Hardy fan Lesley
The Laurel and Hardy statues which were stolen from outside Lesley Hayletts bungalow in Noak Hill road last night - Credit: Archant
The owner of life-size Laurel and Hardy statues is appealing for their safe return after they disappeared last night.
The statues of the comedy duo were stolen from outside Lesley Haylett’s bungalow in Noak Hill Road, Romford.
Lesley, 55, said the pair disappeared between 6.30pm and 8pm last night, whilst she was at Havering Majorettes Corps, where she is troop leader.
She said: “I knew immediately that they had disappeared as I’m so used to seeing them everyday.
“Laurel and Hardy have been stationed outside for 21 years and have disappeared twice before but have always been returned safely.
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“After they were removed before, we chained them to the ground, so whoever has taken them came prepared with bolt cutters.
“They’re very heavy and over six-feet-tall so it would have taken two people with a van to remove them.
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“They’re an icon around Romford, everyone knows them and enjoys seeing them out the front of the house, so I’m appealing for their safe return.”
The statues were originally purchased over 25 years ago by her partner at the time, who decorated his car showroom with the cheeky chappies.
Lesley said she has seen similar statues sell for £1,000 on auction site eBay but hopes that they will be safely returned, as they hold great sentimental value.
She said: “I’m really gutted that this has happened.
“Somebody must know something as they are very distinctive and hard to hide away.
“I would like them to be returned in time for Christmas.”
