Two individuals have been apprehended following the theft of a singing nutcracker statue that delights children as they make their way home from school. The 5ft tall figure was taken from the front of Luke Allum Funeral Directors in Sheerness, Kent. Luke Allum, the owner, expressed that the nutcracker statue brings happiness to the children in the town and is usually displayed around 3pm for the kids after school.
Allum mentioned that the company strives to engage in festive activities each year, including the Tree of Remembrance to honor loved ones and a remembrance post box for children to send Christmas letters to departed loved ones. This year, they introduced a large singing nutcracker statue outside, which has been a hit with the children. However, the statue went missing while Allum and his colleagues were attending a funeral on Thursday afternoon.
Allum expressed bewilderment over the theft, questioning why someone would steal a nutcracker out of everything else. He reported the incident to the authorities and posted about it on social media, receiving an outpouring of support from the community.
Preferring the return of the nutcracker over monetary compensation, Allum emphasized the sentimental value of the statue, noting the difficulty of finding a replacement. Kent Police are urging anyone with information or CCTV footage related to the theft to come forward. The stolen nutcracker, valued at £250 and standing at five feet tall, was a welcoming sight in front of the funeral home for bereaved individuals.
Authorities disclosed that two men, aged 59 and 39 from Sheerness, have been arrested in connection with the theft. Witnesses or individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact Kent Police referencing case number 46/208343/25.