Renowned enigmatic street artist Banksy recently created a thought-provoking red stop sign featuring the images of three military drones, which was stolen from a London street corner less than an hour after its installation. The act caused a stir among onlookers and fans of the artist.

The bold theft occurred in broad daylight, with witnesses capturing photos and videos of the daring act in progress. Shortly after Banksy confirmed the installation of the artwork by posting a photo of it on Instagram, spectators predicted that its presence would be short-lived. This prediction proved accurate as a man, wielding bolt cutters, swiftly removed the artwork, leaving bystanders in shock and disbelief.

The incident, reminiscent of a scene from a heist movie, underscores the high trade value of Banksy’s work, with some of his pieces fetching tens of millions of pounds in sales. “I went there thinking that people want that, I wanted to see it before something happened to it,” said an eyewitness who wished to remain known as Alex, echoing the sentiment of those who eagerly gathered to witness the artwork before its untimely disappearance.

The thief’s strategy was brazen, as he initially attempted to dislodge the signpost with his hands, prompting bewildered onlookers to question his actions. Amidst the honking of car horns, the man returned with a companion, who held a Lime rental bike while the thief successfully removed the sign before escaping the scene.

Banksy’s distinctive street art is renowned for its political commentary, and the stolen artwork, widely interpreted as a call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, is a testament to the artist’s ability to provoke thought and inspire discourse through his creations. This is not the first time that Banksy’s installations have sparked controversy and attracted attention. Several of his murals have been the subject of destruction by British authorities and individuals, indicative of the polarizing nature of his work.

In light of previous incidents involving Banksy’s art, including attempts to steal and remove his creations, the latest theft adds another chapter to the artist’s storied legacy. As his work continues to captivate and challenge societal norms, the recent disappearance of his London street artwork serves as a sobering reminder of the complex relationship between art, public space, and the forces that seek to control and manipulate them.