A brass plaque has been stolen from a ‘much loved’ statue of a bear in York.

The metal sign was taken from the ursine sculpture in Chalfonts, a cul-de-sac on Tadcaster Road, between November 5 and 6.

The plaque is engraved with the words ‘Good Design Award’ and was awarded by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in 1969.

Local councilor Stephen Fenton said: “It is extremely sad to see such an important and much-loved piece of local history ripped away like this.”

Mr Fenton said the plaque was only small and he believed it had been stolen by “metal thieves hoping to make a few quid”.

Although the bear has become a “much-loved landmark”, Mr Fenton said why it occupies the spot is unknown.

“It’s been there since the houses were built in 1969, but it’s one of these weird stories that nobody knows why,” he said.

“The bear looks sad and lonely, but it is a striking statue.”

He said residents were initially told police would not investigate the theft, but was “pleased” to see that had now changed.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We know the statue is a prominent and much-loved local landmark.”

Officers have appealed for information or anyone who may have relevant CCTV or video doorbell footage.

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