Ornamental eagle stolen from Dudley college building - 18-07-2008

Police in Dudley are appealing for information following the theft of large ornamental eagle from the former university halls of residence in the town.

The eagle, which has a wingspan of 1.5 metres, previously sat above a doorway of the property, which is now owned by Dudley College.

The statue was taken some time between Friday evening (11 July) and Monday morning (July 14), when the theft was reported to police.

The incident is being investigated under Operation Steel, which was launched in August 2007 to tackle the theft of high value metal across the Black Country.

To date, almost 1000 people have been arrested under the operation, which has seen thefts of lead, copper and other valuable metals from residential and commercial premises.

Sergeant Steve Gordon from Dudley police station said: "This ornament is well known to many people locally and due to its size and weight it would have been very difficult to move.

"We remind local traders and scrap dealers of their responsibilities when it comes to handling items which they suspect may be stolen, and urge anyone who may have information relating to the eagle's whereabouts to get in touch."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dudley police station on 0845 113 5000.

If you have a local Wolverhampton event or local Wolverhampton news you wish to promote, please send the details via e-mail to:

Other News from Wolverhampton

• Release of cctv following wounding in Hillfields Coventry
• Appeal following death od Birmingham man
• Market Must Change in Order to Thrive
• Police fund future soccer stars
• Police quiz Wolverhampton youngsters about robbery!