A Banksy artwork valued at £270,000, titled "Girl with Balloon," was stolen from the Grove Gallery in London but has since been recovered by police. The Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad retrieved the piece, which was the sole item taken during the burglary at the gallery. Two men, James Love, 54, and Larry Fraser, 47, have been charged with non-residential burglary in connection with the theft and are due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 9.

The theft unfolded when a masked man was caught on CCTV smashing a glass door to gain entry into the gallery. The stolen Banksy was part of an exhibition named "Breakout: Banksy’s London Rebellion," which showcased a £1.5 million collection of works by the elusive street artist. Prosecutors allege that Love, who is known to have a collection of love heart-themed artworks, orchestrated the theft to add the "Girl with Balloon" print to his private collection.

According to court sources, the night watchman was "startled" to find the large painting placed oddly by an interior doorway, a spot where it had not been earlier in the evening, raising the alarm about the unusual movement of the artwork. The recovery of the piece was a significant development, given its high value and cultural importance.

Both men have been remanded in custody ahead of their court appearance. The case signals ongoing concerns over the security of high-value art collections in London galleries, especially those showcasing works from world-renowned artists like Banksy.

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Source: Noah Wire Services