An investigation has been launched into a brazen theft took place at a popular bar in a quiet German town, which saw a beloved cuddly mascot snatched from its home and taken to an unknown location
From Hatton Garden diamond thieves to the Great Train Robbery, nothing gets the heart pumping quite like a good heist story.
And over in Germany, the public has been gripped by a theft like no over that’s left a bar owner reeling and seasoned investigators scratching their heads. And while the loot from this particular heist may not compare financially to the scores of heists gone by, the sentimental value of the nicked object should not be underestimated.
That’s because what’s missing isn’t a priceless artwork or glittering tiara, but instead a two metre tall plushie giraffe, which served as the longstanding mascot of a popular bar in the town of Ilmenau.
We know what you’re thinking, (who cares?), but judging from the reaction of both the owner of Café Bohne bar and local police, it’s clear this cuddly guy was worth more than just his stuffing.
A $300 reward has been announced for any information on the creature’s captors, and its owner has spent hours on local radio begging the thieves for him to be returned.
“The giraffe has been a cult item at ‘The Bean’ for over ten years now and is very popular with guests as a long-legged regular.”
“However it seems someone liked her so much that she was taken along to an unplanned after-party,”” explained Kai Schilling, the bar’s owner on a local television show ripo live yesterday (March 16).
Schilling went on to explain the brazen method that the giraffe robbers used to grab the mascot.
“The bar was quite full. Around 2:15 a.m., two men repeatedly toasted Bärbel and took selfies with her. Then the bartender briefly went to the storeroom to get more drinks.”
“One of the guests seized the opportunity, grabbed Bärbel under his arm, and fled with her”, he revealed, adding that beer bottles were “smashed to the floor” in the process.
Schilling has offered the bounty for the giraffe’s return, but is adamant he believes his beloved Barbel is safe, telling reporters that “she’s extremely resilient and can hold her sway”.
“It’s not really about the actual material damage, but about the sentimental value of the giraffe,” he concluded.
Local cops are also investigating the theft.
A police statement said, “The theft of the giraffe is certainly not a capital offense. Nevertheless, taking something from someone is a crime,” said Alexandra Hoodt of the Gotha State Police.
A description of the suspected robber has also been released, describing him as around 1.8m (5ft11) tall, and sporting a baseball cap, grey hoodie and blue trousers.