Stop sign robbery with Banksy work: Suspect arrested

Pictures of the work were uploaded to Banksy's official Instagram account on Friday. The suspect was arrested and remains in custody.

London police arrested a suspect after unidentified people took down a stop sign displaying an alleged Banksy artwork on Friday. The Metropolitan Police said on Saturday evening: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage in relation to the case.” He remains in detention. The traffic signal has been changed so as not to endanger anyone.

The stop sign showed three drone-like aircraft. Pictures of the work were uploaded to Banksy's official Instagram account on Friday. This is how a Briton usually announces his authorship. After just one hour, the post had collected more than 270,000 likes, and now it has surpassed one million.

A short time later, two men ran the stop sign. It was not clear who the men were and why they did this. Police said they were informed of a theft, and the investigation is still ongoing. They are aware of the video material being shared. Investigators called on witnesses to provide information.

Banksy, who works anonymously, is one of the most famous contemporary artists. He did not initially give a title to the stop sign photos. The artist could have specifically opposed the use of drones to kill people. The United States is accused of using Predator drones to kill suspected terrorists. (appa/red.)